Prada or Prejudice? “The Devil Wears Prada 2” Sparks Racism Outcry in China
Miranda Priestly might have a cold heart, but Chinese netizens are currently on fire. The highly anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, is facing a massive backlash—and even calls for a total boycott—in China over allegations that its portrayal of a Chinese character is rooted in tired racial stereotypes.
The Name That Set Off a Firestorm
At the center of the Devil Wears Prada 2 racism controversy is a new supporting character named “Qin Zhou” (or “Jin Chou”), played by Chinese American actor Helen J. Shen. While it might sound like a typical name to Western ears, Chinese netizens were quick to point out its phonetic similarity to “Ching Chong”—a notorious racial slur historically used to mock the Chinese language and people.
Critics argue that for a high-budget Hollywood production, such a “coincidence” is either a glaring lack of cultural research or a subtle, intentional insult. As one viral post put it, “They want our box office money, but they don’t want to respect our identity.”
Geeky Stereotypes in a High-Fashion World
It’s not just the name that’s raising eyebrows. The character’s styling is being slammed for being stuck in the 1990s. In a film series celebrated for its “groundbreaking” fashion, Qin Zhou is depicted wearing clunky glasses and checkered shirts, looking intentionally out of place next to the chic Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway).
Beyond the wardrobe, the character is portrayed as socially awkward yet boastful, openly criticizing her superiors in public. For many in China, this feels like a lazy rehash of the “Model Minority” stereotype—the idea that Asians are intellectually capable but socially inept.
A Box Office Nightmare Before the Premiere?
With the film set to open during China’s lucrative Labor Day holiday on May 1, the timing couldn’t be worse for Disney and 20th Century Studios. Historically, the Chinese market has the power to make or break a global blockbuster, and a widespread boycott could lead to a disastrous opening weekend.
While the production team has yet to issue a formal apology or clarify the naming choice, the internet isn’t waiting. From TikTok to Weibo, the hashtag “Boycott Prada 2” is trending, proving that in 2026, the audience’s voice is louder than any fashion mogul’s commands.
Is it a simple misunderstanding or a clear “faux pas”? In the world of Runway, “that’s all” usually ends the conversation. But for The Devil Wears Prada 2, it seems the conversation—and the controversy—is just getting started.
