Cathay Pacific has pulled a Family Guy episode from its inflight entertainment system which referenced the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. It has apologised to customers and vowed an investigation.
A complaint was raised against the flagship carrier on social media, in light of the city’s national security laws: “We emphasise that the content of the programme does not represent Cathay Pacific’s standpoint,” a spokesperson told HKFP on Thursday, “and have immediately arranged to have the programme removed as soon as possible.”
The US cartoon in question featured a seven-second cutaway joke depicting the protagonist Peter Griffin next to a protester in front of a line of Chinese military tanks. The scene – in the first episode of the first season – mirrors the infamous “Tank Man” who was pictured standing in front of tanks during the crackdown.
The Tiananmen crackdown occurred on June 4, 1989, ending months of student-led demonstrations in China. It is estimated that hundreds, perhaps thousands, died when the People’s Liberation Army cracked down on protesters in Beijing.
Investigation promised
Cathay added: “The selection of Cathay Pacific’s inflight entertainment content is managed by a third-party content service provider. We have consistently provided them with clear instructions to ensure that the recommended content meets our company standards.”
“We have promptly informed the service provider of the seriousness of the incident, and have instructed them to thoroughly investigate the cause and strengthen oversight to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.”
In 2021, online video streaming service Disney+ appeared to have censored an episode of The Simpsons in Hong Kong which referenced the crackdown.
