A group of cosplayers dressed as Adolf Hitler and German soldiers were seen making the Nazi salute alongside a live-streaming host at Hong Kong’s biggest annual anime and games event, sparking an outcry over their lack of sensitivity.
The online video shows the host interviewing people attending Ani-com and Games Hong Kong 2024 last Friday, including some dressed as German soldiers and another as Hitler, with the group then making the Nazi salute.
Hong Kong online platform Channel C took down the footage and issued an apology on the same day, but social media users slammed the host, the cosplayers and the event organiser for their lack of sensitivity.
“World War II resulted in the deaths of 70 million people. This hand gesture represents crimes against humanity,” one internet user said.
“But the biggest issue is why Hong Kong’s Ani-com and Games allows people to cosplay as Nazi German soldiers.”
Another user criticised the cosplayers for failing to see how glamorising the regime behind the Holocaust was problematic.
Describing the Nazis as “anti-human”, the user questioned how anyone could not recognise the sensitivity of the topic.
The apology from Channel C also covered the decision by one of its employees to make “an inappropriate gesture” when he saw the Hitler cosplayer near the end of the interview.
“Due to the seriousness of the situation and to prevent any inappropriate imitation by viewers, we have promptly removed the replay of that segment from the live stream. The reporter’s actions were inappropriate, and we apologise for this,” it said.
“We neither intended to promote or glorify historical atrocities, nor did we mean to joke about the matters.”
Channel C also said it would remind employees to be extra cautious in terms of their behaviour during future live broadcasts.
The Post has contacted In Express Expo, the organiser of the Ani-com and Games Hong Kong 2024, for comment.
According to its guidelines, participants can imitate characters from anime series and games, excluding those based on organised crime groups or adult themes.
Individuals were also not allowed to dress as real-life uniformed groups, including but not limited to military personnel, police officers, security guards and any outfits resembling legitimate uniformed organisations.
Participants are also required to finalise their cosplay attire and present an image for a brief costume inspection by staff before being given a wristband for unrestricted access to the event’s main venue.
If a participant’s costume or props are deemed to be hastily prepared or excessively revealing during the assessment by seasoned cosplayers, the visitor can be disqualified without grounds for an objection.
The Nazi salute and related symbols are legally restricted in many countries, especially in parts of Europe.
Australia implemented similar laws in January amid a rise in antisemitic incidents following the Israel-Gaza war, making the gesture punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
In 2003, fashion retailer Izzue faced backlash for Nazi-themed clothing and store decorations with public outcry and complaints from the Israeli and German consulates leading to their removal from 14 stores.
A picture of former Chinese University of Hong Kong student union president Ernie Chow Shue-fung raising his right arm with a friend, who was wearing a graduation gown, also previously sparked discussion in 2016.
Chow denied having any specific intentions or showing disrespect to anyone during the photo session, adding that the pose was at his friend’s request and stressing that he did not endorse Nazi ideology or the regime’s historical actions.
