Rude Reporter at Cannes 'HOPE' Press Conference Sparks Racist Controversy

Tense Press Conference for HOPE at Cannes

A press conference for the film HOPE at the Cannes Film Festival turned tense when an unidentified foreign journalist made dismissive remarks toward the cast and crew. The incident sparked controversy after the reporter ignored the Korean stars and asked inflammatory questions regarding the lead actors' appearance fees.

Key Facts

• An unidentified journalist greeted only Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, stating, "I don't know the rest of you," without identifying themselves or their outlet.
• The comment visibly affected the cast; Korean actors Hwang Jung-min and Jo In-sung stopped smiling and became stiff.
• The reporter asked if Fassbender and Vikander were cast as a "couple package" to save on production costs, suggesting they were hired for the price of one person's fee.
• Fassbender and Vikander expressed bewilderment, while the moderator and other journalists appeared embarrassed.
• Online observers criticized the behavior as unprofessional and exclusionary toward the Korean actors and Taylor Russell.

Key Terms

• HOPE: An upcoming film featuring an international ensemble including Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, Hwang Jung-min, and Jo In-sung.
• Couple Package: A disparaging term used by the reporter to suggest the married leads were hired at a discount.

Key Quote

"Why did you cast both of them? Is it because you could hire them for one person's fee since they are a couple? I'm curious if it's like a couple package." — Unidentified Journalist