Constance Wu reportedly attempted suicide after receiving backlash for remarks she made about the renewal of her television series Fresh Off the Boat.
In a statement announcing her return to Twitter after nearly three years, the American actress revealed the information.
She added that she was “terrified to return to social media because it nearly cost me my life.”
The Crazy Rich Asians actress explained that her “careless tweets” resulted in “internet shaming.”
She wrote on Thursday, “Three years ago when I made careless tweets about the renewal of my TV show, it sparked outrage and internet shaming that became quite severe.”
ABC commissioned a sixth season of the comedy in 2019, prompting Wu to post a series of tweets 2019.
In 2015, the 40-year-old actor who starred in the show tweeted: “I am currently so distressed that I am crying. Ugh.”
When a Twitter user congratulated her on the “great news,” which some of her co-stars had also publicly praised, Wu responded, “No, it’s not.”
She later explained that the remarks were “ill-timed” and made after “a rough day,” adding that the continuation of the show prevented her from pursuing a passion project.
Did not deserve to live any longer.
In her return to the podium this week, she added: “When a few DMs from a fellow Asian actress informed me that I’d become a blight on the Asian American community, I began to feel as if I no longer deserved to live.
“That I was an embarrassment to AsAms and that they would be better off without me. It seems unreal that a few direct messages persuaded me to take my own life, but such was the case.
“Thank goodness, a friend found me and rushed me to the hospital.”
Wu, who also starred in the 2019 film Hustlers, went on to say that she had written a book titled Making A Scene about her experience and intended to help others who had endured similar situations.
She concluded her statement by stating that she now felt “OK” enough to return to social media after a brief break from Hollywood and extensive therapy.
“And despite my fear, I’ve decided I owe it to me of three years ago to be courageous and share my story so that it may help someone else with theirs,” she continued.
Additionally, Wu provided a link to the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The novelist Esmé Weijun Wang was among the online supporters of Wu: “I’m so glad you’re still here, and I’m looking forward to reading your book.”
“Sending you my love, and if you ever need me, I’m here.”
“Sending you an abundance of affection, Constance,” filmmaker Michael Skolnik added. “You are brave and courageous. Thank you for everything you have contributed to the world; you are loved and valued.
Comedian Jenny Yang added: “I’m sorry you had to endure this difficulty. I’m delighted that you are still with us. More must be said about mental health. I appreciate you sharing.”
Author Ashley C. Ford added, “I’m so happy you’re still with us.”
In 2018, Wu was nominated for the Golden Globe for best actress in a leading role, becoming the first Asian woman to be nominated in this category in 44 years. She was nominated for her role in Crazy Rich Asians, the first all-Asian cast Hollywood film in 25 years, which she described as “historic.”
Wu co-stars alongside Chris Pratt, Taylor Kitsch, and Riley Keough in the recently released Amazon Prime Video action-thriller series The Terminal List.
