It seems like US-based stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia can’t escape the spotlight of controversy. Notorious for making a joke out of the MH370 tragedy during her show, the American-born Chinese comedian has once again roused the anger of Malaysians.
This time, it’s her dismissive laughter about the MH370 incident during a recent interview that’s creating a stir – a behavior she displayed more than ten days after her initial contentious joke, and for which she has staunchly refused to apologise.
In the interview clip, which has now been widely shared, Chia is seen interacting with fellow comedian Chrissie Mayr.
The laughter that earned her Malaysians’ disdain burst forth when Mayr, in discussing the MH370 incident, made the remark that a death toll of over 200 “wasn’t that many”.
What followed was an eruption of loud, uproarious laughter from Chia, the comedy quickly spiraling into the realm of insensitivity.
The conversation took a swift turn when Mayr asked Chia if she intended to apologise for the uproar her initial comments on the MH370 incident had caused. It was in this context that the pair began discussing the number of casualties from the tragic incident.
The reaction from the Malaysian community online has been swift and harsh. Her actions have been widely criticised, with many expressing their distaste and disapproval of the comedian’s lack of empathy.
Among the voices of reproach was former Deputy Director of Health, Datuk Lee Boon Chye, who commented: “Joking about MH370 is heartless and disrespectful to the hundreds of families who have lost their loved ones. Would we see the humour if jokes were made about tragedies like America’s 9/11 or the Florida school shooting?”
One netizen also chimed in, saying, “Her laughter is very disgusting, infuriating, and enraging.”
