Asian actress Awkwafina addresses ‘blaccent’ criticism, announces Twitter exit

Awkwafina rose to prominence in 2012 as a rapper before venturing into acting. Photo: Filepic

The Golden Globe-winning actress and comedian took to social media to address her controversial use of African American Vernacular English — often referred to as a “blaccent” — in some of her performances.

In a lengthy, multi-image post, the 33-year-old star of Crazy Rich Asians and Nora From Queens said she meant no disrespect but acknowledged that “there is a historical context to everything, especially the African American community in this country”.