Constance Wu reveals suicide attempt after drawing flak on Twitter
Trigger warning: Suicide
Constance Wu bared on social media that she attempted to take her life when she became the subject of online critcism three years ago.
To recall, the 40-year-old Crazy Rich Asians lead was part of the cast of the sitcom television series Fresh Off the Boat, which featured an Asian Americal family as its main characters. When the series announced its renewal in 2019, Wu took to Twitter to post angry comments and slurs about it.
Some fans were not happy about it and said that the actress was ungrateful and insensitive to the other cast and crew of the sitcom. Wu later apologized about her outburst and clarified that she loved the show, but that the renewal meant that she had to give up another project that she was passionate about.
On a July 15 tweet, Wu revealed that after a fellow Asian actress, who she didn't name, told her that she became "a blight on the Asian American community" due to her actions, she felt hopeless and attempted suicide.
"I started feeling like I didn't even deserve to live anymore. That I was a disgrace to the Asian Americans, and they'd be better off without me. Looking back, it's surreal that a few direct messages convinced me to end my own life, but that's what happened. Luckily, a friend found me and rushed me to the emergency room," Wu wrote.
— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) July 14, 2022
After taking some time off from her career to reasses her life, Wu focused on recovering her mental health. She encouraged that society should have more conversations regarding the topic as it is not discussed enough.
"Asian Americans don't talk about mental health enough. While we're quick to celebrate representation wins, there's a lot of avoidance around the more uncomfortable issues within our community," Wu wrote.
Wu shared that while she was hurt when her Asian American colleagues decided to "avoid her or ice her out," it made her realize the importance of reaching out to people during their most vulnerable moment.
The actress said that she wanted to "reach out and help people talk about the uncomfortable stuff in order to understand it, reckon with it, and open pathways to healing."
"After a little break from Hollywood and a lot of therapy, I feel okay enough to venture back on here (at least for a little bit). And even though I'm scared, I've decided that I owe it to the me-of-three-years-ago to be brave and share my story so that it might help them with theirs," Wu ended.
Many social media users took the time to retweet her post and drop praises for her bravery.
"Cyberbullying isn’t a cute personality trait. It has serious consequences that can result in someone trying to end their life. But really, bullying of any sort is just a pathetic way to spend your time on this planet. Constance Wu sharing her experience is admirable & brave," one user wrote.
Cyberbullying isn’t a cute personality trait. It has serious consequences that can result in someone trying to end their life. But really, bullying of any sort is just a pathetic way to spend your time on this planet.@ConstanceWu sharing her experience is admirable & brave ? https://t.co/3WspAAQ6dL
— Alexandra M. Hunt (@hunt4change) July 15, 2022
Former So You Think You Can Dance contestant Teddy Coffey tweeted, "Forgiveness, acceptance and kindness. Honesty, vulnerability and transparency, the world could use more of this. I think people would feel more comfortable and accepting towards one another, all so healing and genuine."
❤️?????… forgiveness, acceptance and kindness….honesty, vulnerability and transparency.. the world could use more of this. I think people would feel more comfortable and accepting towards one another…all so healing and genuine. https://t.co/VHl757QAz0
— Teddy Coffey (@TeddyCoffey) July 15, 2022
Wu had recently written a memoir that is set to hit bookshelves in early October this year. According to the blurb, it features stories that offer a "behind-the-scenes look at being Asian American in the entertainment industry and the continuing evolution of her identity and influence in the public eye."
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or facing a mental health crisis, please reach out immediately to the Department of Health's National Center for Mental Health through its landline 1553 or via mobile at 0917-899-8727 and 0966-351-4518 for Globe and TM subscribers, and 0908-639-2672 for Smart and TNT subscribers.
