Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Isobel Lewis

Gemma Chan criticises ‘lack of shame’ in politics: ‘There no longer seems to be any accountability’

Photograph: Getty Images for IMDb

Actor Gemma Chan has taken aim at modern politicians for their “lack of shame” and “accountability”.

Speaking to Elle, the Crazy Rich Asians star said that she’d “definitely struggled and felt hopeless” during the current period of political unrest and uncertainty both in the UK and US.

“‘I think most of us have realised how powerless we are in terms of the day-to-day governing of our [country],” she said.

“There no longer seems to be any accountability; there’s a lack of shame. Things that a minister or an advisor would have resigned for 10 years ago, now there are no repercussions.”

Chan continued: “That’s incredibly frustrating, especially when people’s lives are at stake.”

However, the British actor admitted that the younger generation gives her hope in their commitment to political activism.

“Often in the media the most boorish voices seem to monopolise headlines but actually there are decent people who want to make things better for their fellow humans,” she said.

Chan, who stars opposite Meryl Streep in Steven Soderbergh’s latest film Let Them All Talk, made headlines in April after delivering free meals to NHS staff on the frontlines during the first coronavirus lockdown.

She was joined by boyfriend Dominic Cooper as they donated food to staff at Charing Cross Hospital in central London.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.