Controversial Decision: TikTok CEO Named Honorary Chair of Met Gala

In a controversial move, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has been announced as the honorary chair of the upcoming Met Gala, sparking outrage among critics. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) voiced his concerns online, stating that it is disturbing to grant such an honor to the head of a platform with ties to the Chinese government.The prestigious event, organized by Vogue Magazine, will see its 2024 edition hosted by Anna Wintour, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. The line-up of co-chairs includes popular celebrities like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth, and Zendaya. However, it is Chew’s honorary position that has raised eyebrows.Chew, a Singaporean businessman and graduate of Harvard Business School, has recently faced intense scrutiny in Congress as lawmakers question the safety and security of TikTok. The app’s popularity among younger users and its connections to ByteDance, its Beijing-based parent company, have raised concerns about national security and the potential risk to American citizens’ personal data.Senator Scott echoed these concerns in his online post, accusing Chew of leading the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to spy on children and gather sensitive information. He called on all Met Gala attendees and co-chairs to consider the implications of honoring someone associated with such controversies.It is worth noting that Senator Scott and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced a bill in 2020 to ban TikTok on government devices, a measure that was unanimously passed by the Senate and approved by the House. This decision to name Chew as an honorary chair further highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the platform and its perceived risks.The timing of this announcement also adds fuel to the fire, as President Biden recently made his first appearance on TikTok with a Super Bowl-themed video. Despite having banned the use of the app on federal government devices in 2022, Biden’s campaign officials have assured the public that necessary security precautions are in place to protect the president’s interactions with younger audiences.As the controversy grows, critics are demanding transparency from the organizers and attendees of the Met Gala. They argue that the event should serve as a platform for showcasing talent, creativity, and cultural significance, rather than potentially endorsing entities that raise national security concerns.The decision to name TikTok’s CEO as the honorary chair of the Met Gala is undoubtedly a divisive one. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the event and whether it will prompt further discussions about the responsibilities of influential platforms and the individuals associated with them.