If you're a big fan of Fresh Off the Boat, then good news!
It was just renewed for a sixth season.
However, this wasn't pleasing for everyone. Shortly after the announcement, Constance Wu got herself in some hot water by tweeting out her displeasure.
Many fans connected the timing of the tweet with the renewal announcement.
This was all but confirmed when a fan congratulated Wu on the renewal and called it "great news".
Wu responded:
"No it's not."
This seemed crazy to many keeping up with the event as it unfolded. Wu was on a very successful television show, a situation that many actors would kill for.
While some tried to guess why she'd be upset, such as returning to TV after the massive success of her Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians (which is available here), others just thought she was ungrateful.
Finally, Wu came out and explained her perspective.
While her first tweets and the renewal of Fresh Off the Boat were connected, it wasn't so direct.
Wu explains in her letter that she does not hate the show. Rather, she had hopes to do another project that won't be possible while she's still in her television show.
"I love FOTB. I was temporarily upset yesterday not bc I hate the show but bc its renewal meant I had to give up another project that I was really passionate about. So my dismayed social media replies were more about that other project and not about FOTB."
She still loves FOTB, and she's happy the cast and crew still have jobs.
But it's possible to be happy for that and upset over missing out on another opportunity.
"I was disappointed in not being able to do that other project - Because that other project would have challenged me as an artist."
"I know it's a huge privilege that I even HAVE options-options that FOTB have afforded me."
"So I can both love the show/cast/crew but at the same time be disappointed that I lost that other related job."
These are perfectly valid emotions.
Constance Wu has become famous thanks in part to her character Jessica from FOTB. Showcasing her comedic chops, she's been able to branch out, starring as Rachel Chu in the hit romantic comedy, Crazy Rich Asians, and working alongside Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B in the upcoming movie, Hustlers.
But these projects are fewer and further between than they might be if she wasn't tied down to a television program, one she does actually have appreciation for.
The sentence that stands out the most in the letter is this one:
"People can hold conflicting feelings in their hearts–that conflict is a part of being human."
That internal conflict is something everyone can identify with, so why did people give her such a hard time for it?
There were always going to be people who had a problem with her feelings, which is also valid. Her outburst felt like she was dismissing the needs of a large production crew who might have lost their regular income had the show been canceled.
It's also perfectly valid to be upset at that kind of dismissal, so long as everyone is listening to each other. If we're all able to voice our feelings and concerns, and in turn be willing to hear each other out, we can understand and move on.
But, uh, whoo boy.
Wu certainly went there with her last sentence.
"It's meaningful when you make the choice to believe women."
Probably should have quit while she was ahead.
Appropriating the language used by women who've had to speak out about sexual assault aside, Constance Wu did have a good point to make here.
We were quick to attack someone for their displeasure at missing out on something they were passionate about. It's valid that conflicting emotions can be held at once.
And just because you have success in one thing, doesn't mean you can't aim for success in more.
Also, maybe learn to end your explanation letter one sentence earlier? Just a thought.
@thekalenallen/Threads
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