Taiwan’s famous actress Da S (Dee Hsu) passed away unexpectedly on February 3rd while traveling in Japan. It is reported that she contracted the flu and developed pneumonia, which led to her passing despite rescue efforts. The news has saddened many people in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Following the announcement of Da S’s death, her family issued a statement confirming the news. However, a social media influencer with the username Mr. 486 made a controversial post online, saying, “I hope Da S will be reincarnated in China and forever be a Chinese. Her sister too.”
Seven hours later, he posted again, apologizing and correcting himself, saying, “I apologize! Can I make a correction… I hope she is reincarnated in the United States as an American, not as a Chinese.”
These remarks sparked criticism from many netizens, with some commenting, “She has passed away, please show some respect… People like you will face karmic retribution.” “She has already passed away. How can you say such inhumane words?” “Show respect for the deceased. Speaking like this might bring consequences.” “Really no sense of propriety.”
Taiwan’s People’s Party legislator Chen Youcheng also criticized the comments on Facebook, saying, “There is a bottom line in democracy and freedom that should not and will not be crossed, and that is losing humanity!” It is hard to imagine that just because of different political views, someone could offer supposed humorous mockery at the passing of another, undoubtedly pouring salt on the wounds of grieving family members and tarnishing the mirror of democracy and freedom.