Is Awkwafina … uncancelled? Inside the star’s epic comeback after her ‘blaccent’ backlash, from new films with Sandra Oh and Nicolas Cage, to attending the Met Gala in Gucci

Jul 13 , 2022

Awkwafina seems to have made a comeback, pictured here at The Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art in May 2019, in New York City – but how did she do it? Photo: Getty Images

The Crazy Rich Asians star faced criticism in February for her ‘blaccent’, but she’s since posted on Instagram to ‘not let anyone tell you who you are’

Her Ocean’s 8 pal Anne Hathaway is clearly still on her side, and the Shang-Chi star had her MTV show, Awkwafina is Nora from Queen’s, renewed for a third season too

Awkwafina faced a backlash earlier this year after her statement in response to criticism over her “blaccent” didn’t go down well with fans and critics. Following her NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Award nomination – a ceremony created to honour black talent in entertainment – the star faced more scrutiny than ever, as she has long been accused of appropriating African-American culture to advance her career.

However, the comedy actress seems to have avoided an extended so-called cancellation and is back on the entertainment circuit. So how did the star – whose real name is Nora Lum – manage to quietly make a comeback and seemingly re-emerge with a career that’s not only unaffected by the drama, but thriving?

Awkwafina faced controversy for her “blaccent” apologies earlier this year. Photo: @awkwafina/Instagram

The Crazy Rich Asians actress directly addressed the controversy on Twitter before quitting the platform in February – but has been popping up elsewhere ever since.

She regained control of her brand

Awkwafina logged off from Twitter following the controversies surrounding her. Photo: @awkwafina/Instagram

While Awkwafina didn’t specify why she quit Twitter but no other platforms, it’s worth noting that Instagram does allow accounts to limit comments shown, while its rival is perhaps more transparent.

Awkwafina shared a handwritten note from six years ago in March. Photo: @awkwafina/Instagram

A month after the backlash, Awkwafina shared a handwritten diary entry from six years ago that appeared to attract sympathy from fans on Instagram. The note included lines such as “I’m scared I’m gonna let people down” and “I hope I won’t embarrass myself”. As part of her caption on the post in March, she showed a sense of empowerment by writing in retrospect, “Don’t ever let anyone tell you who you are.”