Shang-Chi’s Simu Liu Is Pressing Charges Against Autograph Seekers

Simu Liu, from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is a newcomer to the MCU. Last year, he began his role as the

By Mabel Judith Andrady
June 12,2022
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Simu Liu, from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is a newcomer to the MCU. Last year, he began his role as the Master of Kung Fu, and we can expect to see him in a slew of films over the next few years. His solo project has yet to see a sequel, and neither has the next appearance of the superheroes—could it be Captain America 4?

It doesn’t matter whether or not a character joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their fan base is bound to grow significantly once they do so. An instantaneous spotlight grows brighter, drawing all eyes to you.

While this can be a good thing, as there are many wonderful fans out there, there is also an inexhaustible supply of toxic ones. As a result, Liu has now taken to social media to describe and call out an unpleasant encounter he had at a book signing event.

Avoid Simu Liu, the Toxic Autograph Hunter!

When a group of “professional autograph seekers” attacked him at a book signing for his newly released book, We Were Dreamers, Shang-Chi’s Simu Liu took to Twitter to denounce their behavior.

The star tweeted that “if you come to my events and harass me or make me or my fans uncomfortable, there’s no chance in hell I’m going to sign for you”:

He had taken a picture of the people who were causing problems, but it was blurry and only showed the outline of a driver. ‘[those] professional autograph seekers followed [them] out of the Philly event and then threw soda on our window,’ Liu described the scene. Another thing that has been made clear by the actor is his intention to press charges against those he believes are harassing him:

“Best photo that I could get but these professional autograph seekers followed us out of the Philly event and then threw soda on our window. They then ran to their car to remove the front license plate so we couldn’t ID them. Thankfully we had someone at the event venue documenting so we will get them and file a report with authorities. Obviously, everyone is fine but we’re just a bit shook that this could happen.”

Liu explained in an Instagram story that the people clamoring for his autograph were simply looking to resell it. Sometimes they do it, but he doesn’t like to reward certain types of behavior, especially when people become aggressive and invasive:”

“Autographing for people who will just resell it on eBay is a personal choice. Sometimes we do it, but I don’t personally like to reward certain types of behavior… especially when the people get aggressive and invasive and make my real fans and supporters uncomfortable… I’ve had a couple of bad experiences in a row where my personal space has been badly violated. Just know that if you cross that line for me or for my fans, there isn’t a chance in hell I’m ever gonna sign for you.”

Even though it was only a couple of soda bottles, Shang-Chi said on Twitter that “it’s indicative of a really toxic culture:”

In the Hunt with Shang-Chi Star

Simu Liu’s reaction to the behavior described above is completely understandable. We can’t tolerate it, and it’s part of a toxic culture that needs to be confronted. The real question is: Will the reprimanding of the seekers have any effect?

Even if they don’t, Liu is at least making them known to the rest of the world by putting this message out there. Deplorable behavior will be seen by a large number of people around the world because of the star’s enormous popularity and influence.

Honestly, it’s hard to understand why anyone would do this. In what way did they expect Shang-Chi Simu Liu’s car to stop and sign something after they threw a soda at it? Or that someone of his stature wouldn’t have recorded the entire conversation?

People like that are responsible for sabotaging the chances of those who truly deserve them. Fingers crossed, the Shang-Chi star isn’t totally averse to interacting with his fans at conventions and other public events.