BD Wong Speaks Out After Backlash Over Racist Joke

“I want to elaborate re a racist comment I posted, to clarify that I recognize & accept the responsibility for how terrible it is,” he wrote, adding that it would be “wrong” to try and “explain” anything.

He continued, “I think that causes a further breaking down in folks’ trust. Let me please spend the energy on how wrong I know it is to exploit a despicable, racist trope in the supposed spirit of humor. I do know better, but again, no excuses.”

BD Wong Threads

“Very sorry for the hurt I’ve caused & for taking so lightly something so deeply injurious,” Wong concluded.

Wong, who most recently appeared in the September 25 premiere episode of SVU‘s current 27th season, is also known for his roles as Father Ray Mukada in Oz, Whiterose/Minister Zhi Zhang on Mr. Robot, and Professor Hugo Strange on Gotham. On film, he’s made notable appearances in the Jurassic World franchise.

Before issuing an apology for his controversial joke, Wong tried to explain the post, per news site Very Asian. Responding to users who called the joke “racist” and “disappointing,” Wong allegedly said, “Well, it said wrong answers only, but I could see why people wouldn’t get that, so I deleted it real quick, but yeah, that was the dumb idea.”