…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
The popular TikTok star, Uncle Roger, known for his humorous critiques of Western cooks attempting Chinese dishes, has had his social media accounts in China suspended following a government crackdown on public figures who mock the authoritarian regime.
Nigel Ng, the British-Malaysian comedian behind the Uncle Roger persona, informed his fans that his accounts on Bilibili and Weibo were suspended for allegedly violating “relevant laws and regulations.”
Suspension Triggered by Controversial Clip:
Ng suggested that the suspension was a result of a clip he had shared on Twitter a few days earlier.
The video, a promotional piece for an upcoming live show, featured Uncle Roger jokingly commenting on an audience member’s response when asked about their origin.
In the clip, he playfully mentions the country being “good” and makes lighthearted remarks about surveillance.
He also jokes about Taiwan not being a recognized country and expresses hope for its reunification with the mainland.
Uncle Roger’s TikTok Success and Recent Appearance:
The influencer’s TikTok account, Mrnigelng, boasts over 10 million followers and gained popularity through his viral videos critiquing Western chefs’ approaches to Chinese cuisine.
Recently, he also appeared as a guest judge on Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars.
However, his suspension from Chinese social media platforms follows closely on the heels of his TV appearance.
Uncle Roger Responds with Humor:
In response to the suspension of his accounts, Nigel Ng, in character as Uncle Roger, posted a video addressing the situation.
With his trademark comedic style, he humorously acknowledged the suspension, noting that he often makes jokes about various individuals and entities, including the BBC, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Jamie Oliver, emphasizing that nobody is safe from his humorous commentary.
Previous Controversy and Backlash:
This is not Ng’s first encounter with Chinese censorship.
In 2021, he collaborated with Mike Chen, a known critic of the Beijing government, to create a video in which they critiqued a dumpling recipe.
However, Ng deleted the video and issued an apology on Weibo, claiming that he was unaware of Chen’s political views and past remarks about China.
This move sparked confusion among fans and angered many who accused Ng of succumbing to Chinese pressure and compromising his stance against the regime.
Conclusion:
Uncle Roger’s social media account suspensions in China reflect the tightening grip of Chinese authorities on public figures who engage in satire or criticism of the government.
While the popular comedian continues to entertain a vast international audience, his encounters with censorship raise questions about the limits of free expression in an increasingly controlled digital landscape.