The Controversial Sequel to The Devil Wears Prada Sparks Backlash
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada has finally hit theatres, but it has already sparked a significant online backlash. A 38-second clip from the film has gone viral, with many viewers criticizing the portrayal of an Asian character as being steeped in outdated stereotypes.
In the clip, the character Jin Chao, played by Chinese-American actress Helen J Shen, is introduced as “the former assistant’s new assistant.” She meets Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, who is back at work at the fictional Runway magazine. During their interaction, Chao displays social awkwardness, an eagerness to please, and wears unflattering clothing. She then proceeds to list her academic achievements, including her high GPA, her role as a lead soprano in a prestigious choir, and a perfect ACT score on her first attempt.
This scene has been viewed over 26 million times and has drawn criticism for perpetuating harmful Asian stereotypes. Many have accused the film of engaging in “blatant anti-Asian racism,” with one user on X stating: “Hollywood is so out of touch it’s embarrassing. It’s 2026 and THIS is your Asian rep? The name, styling, whole look. Lazy stereotypes.”
Another comment highlighted how the character embodies a set of traits that are not representative of Asian Americans but rather reflect the fantasies of white women. The post read: “Child-like dress, glasses, overqualified, Ivy League credentials and at top of her game yet obsequious and insecure of her competency: these are not Asian American stereotypes, they’re white women’s fantasies.”
A Japanese post on X, which has been viewed over a million times, criticized the film for its blatant racial stereotyping. The post reads:
“The Devil Wears Prada 2
・Asian (Chinese)
・Name is Chinchon
・Glasses
・Nerdy bookworm
・Even if they graduated from a prestigious school, they’re uncool
Hits us with the most blatant racial stereotype racism in 2026 and it gives me chills. Did they use this scene in the promo because it’s ‘funny’? #BoycottTheDevilWearsPrada2”
On the Reddit forum r/asianamerican, one commenter noted that the character’s name sounds like what a white person might think a Chinese name should be. They also drew comparisons to Cho Chang, the Asian student at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 features Anne Hathaway reprising her role alongside returning cast members Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The original film grossed $326 million globally and became a streaming hit. The sequel is set to release in China on 30 April and worldwide on 1 May.
