Awkwafina Addresses Criticism Over Her ‘Blaccent,’ Quits Twitter

#jaiyeorie After years of being called out for using a “blaccent,” Asian-American actress Awkwafina — born Nora Lum — has addressed criticism of her usage of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). In a letter shared via Twitter Saturday, the 33-year-old Golden Globe-winner acknowledged the, “historical context of the African American community in this country,” writing, “And in life, linguistic acculturation, immigrant acculturation, and the inevitable passage of globalized internet slang all play a factor in the fine line between offense and pop culture.” “But as a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group,” she continued. “But I must emphasize: To mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply. Not. My. Nature. It never has, and it never was.” Many have called Awkwafina to the carpet over her perceived “blaccent,” with one critic tweeting, “It’s so fkn ANNOYING how Awkwafina was all like ‘I refuse to do a stereotypical Asian accent, it’s disrespectful to my people’ and continues to use a blaccent for comedic effect. Urgh. I can’t stand her.”