Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins has been accused of being “a mouthpiece for a brutal communist government” by appearing in a Hong Kong tourism ad
Former reality star-turned-wallaby Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins has been criticized for starring in a new tourism ad campaign in Hong Kong as the city reels under the brutal rule of China’s communist dictatorship equipment.
The 35-year-old, who was Australia’s Bachelor in 2018, stars in a three-part video series exploring Hong Kong’s best tourist spots, enjoying local food and partying with locals in a post-pandemic era.
“Hong Kong is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world. The people, the culture, the hustle, the hustle — you just can’t beat that,” Cummins, who plays regularly for the Hong Kong Sevens, said in a statement.
Former reality star-turned-wallaby Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins has been criticized for starring in a new tourism ad campaign in Hong Kong as the city reels under the brutal rule of China’s communist dictatorship equipment. (Cummins is pictured in the campaign)
“From the restaurants and nightlife to outdoor activities and exploration, there really is something for everyone. I can’t wait for Aussies to explore Hong Kong like I did.”
Karen Macmillan, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Australia and New Zealand, said: “The video series showcases the incredible variety of experiences to be had in Hong Kong and really captures the distinct east-meets-west vibe.
While the campaign hopes to encourage Australians to visit Hong Kong as Covid-19 restrictions ease, critics say the videos do not reflect the reality of life in the city.
While the campaign hopes to encourage Australians to visit Hong Kong as Covid-19 restrictions ease, critics say the videos do not reflect the reality of life in the city
Human rights have deteriorated rapidly in Hong Kong in recent years, including extreme restrictions on freedom of expression, association and the press.
This has fueled pro-democracy protests and international criticism.
In 2020, Beijing enacted a national security law that gave it sweeping powers to punish dissidents from the regime.
Human rights have deteriorated rapidly in Hong Kong in recent years, including extreme restrictions on freedom of expression, association and the press. (Pictured: Protesters march in the streets of Hong Kong on July 1, 2020)
Jane Poon, a member of the Australia-Hong Kong Link, criticized Cummins for his involvement in the campaign, telling The Sydney Morning Herald: “People in the city are actually struggling because of what the government is doing.
“By taking these [tourism ambassadorship] Jobs, celebrities support a government condemned by the international community.’
Former pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, who was exiled during the city’s crackdown on dissenters, also said he was “disappointed”.[ed] seeing someone as part of the propaganda of Beijing or the Hong Kong regime.
However, Mr. Hui, who is an outspoken critic of the communist regime, noted that Cummins probably had good intentions when he agreed to lead the campaign.
Cummins’ tourism campaign in Hong Kong runs from October 5th to November 28th.
Chron Australia has reached out to Cummins’ representative for comment.
In 2020, Beijing enacted a national security law that gave it sweeping powers to punish dissidents from the regime. (Pictured: Protesters march in the streets of Hong Kong on May 10, 2020)