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Disney and Mulan Criticized by US Senator for Ignoring Xinjiang Human Rights Violations


It looks like getting released is the least of Mulan's problems right now. The live-action adaptation of the animated classic is once again facing more controversy, this time courtesy of US Senator Josh Hawley who has criticized Disney for ignoring the human rights violations happening in China's Xinjiang region.

Mulan has been hounded by several controversies since its release on Disney+, from protestors re-igniting their boycott of the film for Liu Yifei's support for the Hong Kong police to the more recent revelation that the movie was shot in the Xinjiang province. The latter one has even led to the Chinese government barring press coverage of the Disney flick ahead of its theatrical release in the country. Now, Hawley is calling the studio out for "whitewashing genocide" in the region.

According to Deadline, Hawley has sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek that condemns the studio for "whitewashing the ongoing genocide of Uighurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities during the production of Mulan." Additionally, the senator asked Disney to remove the film from its streaming service "to avoid further glorifying CCP officials and agencies responsible for the atrocities in Xinjiang."

The letter further requests an explanation of the assistance received by the studio from the parties "involved in the genocide and how the agencies were compensated."

For now, Disney has not yet offered a comment or explanation in response to Hawley's letter. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Mulan is currently available for $29.99 on Disney+. The movie is also set to premiere in theaters in China on September 11.

Related: China Prohibits Mulan Promotions Ahead of Theatrical Release Amidst Xinjiang Controversy

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