Dharmashala, 31st March: Keanu Reeves films were abruptly removed from Chinese streaming services this week after the actor expressed support for Tibet and Tibetan independence. Since his appearance at a pro-Tibet gathering on March 3, Chinese streaming platforms iQiyi, Tencent Video, Bilibili, and Xigua Video have all pulled movies starring Reeves, according to The L.A. Times. Reeves has remained silent on the matter thus far.
This month, at least 19 films starring Reeves were deleted from Chinese streaming providers. The streamers were previously known to have licensed the original Matrix trilogy, as well as Speed, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Something’s Gotta Give, and The Lake House, among other films, according to Indie Wire. The sole exception appears to be Toy Story 4, which was left on Youku and Migu Video but with Reeves’ name removed from the credits.
All of this originates from an event that Reeves virtually attended on March 3. He took part in the 35th annual Tibet House Benefit Concert, which was broadcast live over the internet in support of the Dalai Lama and his charitable work. Reeves does not appear to have made any direct comments about China’s annexation of Tibet, which began in 1950.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter, who played for the Boston Celtics at the time, is another high-profile Western celebrity who has been banned from Chinese social media and video platforms after making statements critical of China’s activities in Tibet.
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