The Hallmark Channel is facing criticism for an upcoming film that uses the Chinese-originated game of mahjong as a backdrop for romance, but doesn’t actually include many Asians in the cast.

The network’s blurb for “All’s Fair In Love And Mahjong,” which debuts May 9, says the film concerns a “school nurse who finds unexpected hope through teaching Mahjong, the centuries‑old Chinese game that helps her build community and open her heart again.”

But while the blurb makes the game’s Chinese roots crystal clear, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, whose dad was born in China, is the only cast member with Asian roots, according to the film’s IMDB page ― and she’s not even the lead. That honor goes to Fiona Gubelmann.

Many people noticed the lack of Asian representation when Hallmark Channel promoted the film on Instagram earlier this week, and the mockery was swift.

A post shared by Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel)

“Yall couldn’t even use traditional mahjong set or what?” one person asked. “Or work with an Asian owned company? Are there Asian writers on your team? How much of this cast is Chinese and is it a Chinese leading story? Cause this poster is giving yall didn’t put thought into this all this.”

Another person noted the network had “an opportunity to do an all Asian cast that’s kind of trending right now,” but “they want to go backwards in time,” a decision they called, “colonization at its finest.”

Writer Kat Lieu commented on the post and noted that “nothing says Happy [Asian American Pacific Islander Month] like appropriating Asian culture.”

HuffPost reached out to the Hallmark Channel for comment, and a spokesperson provided this statement.

″‘All’s Fair in Love & Mahjong’” is a love story with connection at its core, highlighting family, friendship, and motherhood with warmth and humor,” the spokesperson said. “The movie honors the heritage of Mahjong by recognizing the game’s Chinese origin and its unique ability to connect cultures, generations, and communities.”

The spokesperson also addressed the AAPI Month timing by claiming the film was actually set for Mother’s Day.

“The film airs Mother’s Day weekend and is part of Hallmark’s May for Moms programming event and spotlights the connection between four moms who met at PTA and found a meaningful community through Mahjong,” the spokesperson said.

After cast member Melissa Peterman commented how “excited” she was about the movie, one person countered, “you know who also would love to be a part of a movie involving mahjong? Asians. Do better.”

Former HuffPost journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been detained for

days in Kuwait. He must be freed immediately.

Learn more here.

Credit: Grace Rivera

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.