18-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) US-based stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia has once again found herself at the center of controversy, unable to escape the spotlight of public outrage. Notorious for making a joke out of the MH370 tragedy during one of her shows, the American-born Chinese comedian has now stirred up anger among Malaysians with her dismissive laughter about the incident during a recent interview. This behavior, which occurred more than ten days after her initial contentious joke, has caused an uproar, with Chia staunchly refusing to apologize.
In a widely shared interview clip, Chia can be seen interacting with fellow comedian Chrissie Mayr. It was during their conversation about the MH370 incident that Chia’s laughter, earning the disdain of Malaysians, burst forth. Mayr had remarked that a death toll of over 200 “wasn’t that many,” and Chia’s response was an eruption of loud, uproarious laughter, taking the comedy into the realm of insensitivity.
Missed my interview with internationally famous viral comedian @JocelynChia?
Click the link below pic.twitter.com/mj2oO2TjBY
— Chrissie Mayr???????? (@ChrissieMayr) June 14, 2023
The conversation took a swift turn when Mayr asked Chia if she intended to apologize for the uproar caused by her initial comments on the MH370 incident. It was within this context that the pair began discussing the number of casualties from the tragic event.
The reaction from the Malaysian community online has been swift and harsh, with Chia’s actions drawing widespread criticism. Many have expressed their distaste and disapproval of the comedian’s lack of empathy. Among those voicing their reproach was former Deputy Director of Health, Datuk Lee Boon Chye, who stated, “Joking about MH370 is heartless and disrespectful to the hundreds of families who have lost their loved ones. Would we find humor if jokes were made about tragedies like America’s 9/11 or the Florida school shooting?”
