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Chinese Artist Sues Over 'Insulting' Panda

Says Dreamwork disrespected national icon

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2008 5:58 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Kung Fu Panda may not seem very controversial, but it sure offended Zhao Bandi, a Chinese performance artist who is renowned for using panda images in his work. Zhao is suing Dreamworks for the film’s “insulting” portrayal of China’s national icon, the Independent reports. “Designing the panda with green eyes is a conspiracy,” Zhao says. “A panda with green eyes has the feeling of evil.”

Zhao also finds it insulting that Po’s father is a duck. “In a few years' time, I'm worried some young Chinese people will think their ancestor is Donald Duck,” he says. But Zhao, who carries a stuffed panda wherever he goes, isn’t seeking monetary damages; instead, he’s demanding Dreamworks apologize, and open up their creative records to expose the alleged conspiracy.

Models displays the Bandi Panda creation by designer Zhao Bandi during the China Fashion Week in Beijing. Bandi is suing Dreamworks for insulting his favorite animal in Kung Fu Panda.
Models displays the "Bandi Panda" creation by designer Zhao Bandi during the China Fashion Week in Beijing. Bandi is suing Dreamworks for insulting his favorite animal in "Kung Fu Panda."   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
His training complete, Po is given the legendary Dragon Scroll in Kung Fu Panda.
His training complete, Po is given the legendary Dragon Scroll in "Kung Fu Panda."   (MovieWeb)
A Chinese artist has sued over Kung Fu Panda, calling it insulting.
A Chinese artist has sued over "Kung Fu Panda," calling it "insulting."   (MovieWeb)
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows the giant panda Po, voiced by Jack Black, and Master Shifu, voiced by Dustin Hoffman, in a scene from Kung Fu Panda.
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows the giant panda Po, voiced by Jack Black, and Master Shifu, voiced by Dustin Hoffman, in a scene from "Kung Fu Panda."   (AP Photo/Paramount)
American actor, comedian and musician Jack Black poses for photographers with Kung Fu Panda main character during the Japan premiere of the U.S. film in Tokyo Monday, July 14, 2008.
American actor, comedian and musician Jack Black poses for photographers with "Kung Fu Panda" main character during the Japan premiere of the U.S. film in Tokyo Monday, July 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
U.S. actor Jack Black poses with a mascot as he arrives for a premiere of his new film 'Kung Fu Panda' in Leicester Square, London, Thursday, June 26, 2008.
U.S. actor Jack Black poses with a mascot as he arrives for a premiere of his new film 'Kung Fu Panda' in Leicester Square, London, Thursday, June 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)
A model displays the Pandi Panda creation by designer Zhao Bandi during the China Fashion Week in Beijing. Bandi is suing Dreamworks for insulting his favorite animal in Kung Fu Panda.
A model displays the "Pandi Panda" creation by designer Zhao Bandi during the China Fashion Week in Beijing. Bandi is suing Dreamworks for insulting his favorite animal in "Kung Fu Panda."   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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China wonders why 'Panda' wasn't made there
Washington Post

Chinese called for 'Kung Fu' boycott
International Herald Tribune

 
China • lawsuit • panda • frivolous lawsuits • Kung Fu Panda

 

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