BD Wong Apologizes for Racially Insensitive Instagram Joke

Actor BD Wong, known for his role in Law & Order: SVU, offered an apology following an incident where he shared a racially insensitive joke on Instagram.

On Monday, December 1, the 65-year-old Wong posted a remark on an Instagram video uploaded by content creator Mike Holston. The clip featured Holston, an African American man, interacting affectionately with a binturong resting on his shoulder. Holston's caption challenged viewers to "Name this animal... wrong answers only," prompting Wong to write, in a comment he later removed, "It appears to be a Black man."

The actor, recognized for his work in films like Mulan and Jurassic World, subsequently removed his comment and proceeded to Threads to express regret for what he described as a poorly conceived jest.

On Monday, he posted, "Folks, I told a really terrible joke. Like many who find themselves in trouble, I removed it for damage control. However, it's still accessible and continues to cause pain and disappointment, and I genuinely regret the distress it has caused. It was incredibly foolish, but I attempted to respond to the 'Wrong Answers Only' challenge with the most incorrect answer possible. My only success was in being extremely wrong."

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Wong added, "I understand that no one is exempt from accountability. I apologize if this particular incident has diminished any esteem you previously held for me. And I appreciate those who support an online environment that is secure for all."

In a later post on Threads, Wong stated, "I wish to elaborate concerning a racist remark I made, to make it clear that I acknowledge and embrace the gravity of its offensiveness."

He proceeded, "Furthermore, it is inappropriate to attempt to 'explain' anything, as I believe that eroding people's trust even further. Instead, please allow me to focus my efforts on conveying how profoundly incorrect I know it is to leverage a reprehensible, racist stereotype under the guise of comedy; I am fully aware I should know better, but again, there are no justifications. I deeply regret the pain I've inflicted and for treating such a profoundly damaging issue so casually."

Wong is most widely recognized for his portrayal of psychiatrist Special Agent George Huang in Law & Order: SVU, a role he took on starting in season 2 and maintained throughout the enduring NBC crime drama until season 12. He subsequently returned for guest spots in episodes spanning seasons 13 through 17.

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Wong reinstated his role as Huang in the season 27 premiere of SVU, which was broadcast in September.

Earlier in August, Wong, who has Chinese heritage, publicly criticized the decision to cast Andrew Barth Feldman, a non-Asian performer, in a principal role for the Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending. Feldman took over from Darren Criss, who is of Filipino background.

In an essay posted on Instagram, he penned, "The Asian community, especially its actors, feels quite let down by this announcement."

"Championing one's own representation feels stiflingly undignified," he stated. "No, our intention isn't to 'have someone dismissed.' However, we must articulate the profound pain of being overlooked, even as we've grown accustomed to it. It's astounding how seldom 'Asian Shows' are produced."

He added, "The MHE team is doing what they believe is necessary. Staging a Broadway musical is incredibly challenging, and I empathize with their situation. Nevertheless, this choice is still perceived as a significant affront to both the Asian acting profession and the Asian viewership. Our extensive history of being excluded is a palpable reality."