Influencer Em Davies Faces Intense Online Criticism Over Chinese New Year Video
Prominent social media influencer Em Davies has found herself at the centre of a significant online controversy after posting a video that offered advice on how to celebrate Chinese New Year. The video, which has since been deleted, prompted a swift and widespread backlash from users who accused Davies of cultural insensitivity.
Questionable Content and Immediate Fallout
In the now-removed clip, the blonde influencer described traditional Chinese New Year customs as 'woo woo crazy girl' behaviour while providing tips on activities to undertake before the Year of the Horse. Her caption included the phrase 'Reminder: as long as you are alive you can begin again, and again and again,' alongside the hashtags #yearofthesnake and #yearofthehorse.
The response on social media platforms was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Numerous users created their own videos criticising Davies for what they perceived as treating a deeply significant cultural holiday as a mere 'trend' or aesthetic.
Voices of Criticism and Cultural Frustration
On Tuesday, content creator Jordan Tan uploaded an extensive video expressing profound frustration with influencers posting about 'how to celebrate Chinese New Year.' Tan stated forcefully, 'I have seen so many influencers this Chinese New Year talk about celebrating Chinese New Year, and they are coming off so f**king tone deaf. I actually can't.'
Tan specifically referenced seeing influencers instructing followers on prohibitions like not washing hair before the celebrations, exclaiming, 'It's like... my culture is not your trend.' Another user named Grace posted a similar critique, condemning influencers for approaching Chinese New Year as a fashionable trend rather than a meaningful cultural observance.
Apology and Removal of Content
Facing the mounting criticism, Em Davies responded directly in the comments section with what many described as a grovelling apology. She wrote, 'This was so incredibly insightful. I'm sorry if my video upset you - I removed it immediately as I never intended to upset anyone.' The video was subsequently taken down from her social media profiles.
The Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year represents one of the most important traditional holidays in numerous cultures, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. The celebrations are characterised by:
- Family gatherings and elaborate feasts
- Cultural events and traditional performances
- Customs such as giving red envelopes containing money
- Fireworks displays to ward off evil spirits
Each year in the cycle corresponds to one of twelve zodiac animals, with the animal influencing various aspects of the festivities and traditions. The holiday fundamentally symbolises renewal, prosperity, and the welcoming of good fortune for the coming year.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding cultural appropriation in the digital age, particularly concerning how influencers engage with traditions outside their own cultural experience. The backlash against Davies underscores a growing public expectation for more respectful and informed engagement with culturally significant practices on social media platforms.
