Poppy Liu, the Chinese-born actress who has made a name for herself in Hollywood, recently made headlines with her outspoken critique of capitalism. Born in China and raised in Minnesota, Liu didn't hold back her thoughts during the premiere of the film I Love Boosters. Asked by a Refinery29 reporter about her biggest gripe with capitalism, Liu's response was anything but subtle.
The premiere was for the new feature by activist director Boots Riley, which tackles social issues head-on. In I Love Boosters, a group of shoplifters, known as The Boosters, target a wealthy fashion mogul to redistribute their ill-gotten gains in a bid they call "fashion-forward philanthropy." It was the perfect backdrop for Liu's impassioned speech.
Liu, known for her role as the charismatic Kiki in HBO's Hacks, delivered her critique in a rapid-fire style. "Oh, my God, where do I start," she exclaimed, exhibiting both humor and intensity. Liu labeled capitalism as a "system of evil," comparing it to a hamster race where few emerged victorious. Her candid remarks didn't stop there.
“Currency is made up. Credit is made up. Debt is made up. Why do people have student debt?” Liu questioned, before declaring, "My rant is that capitalism is the greatest evil in the world."
Despite enjoying the trappings of success, Liu insisted she would gladly trade them for a world free from oppression. Her comments resonate with her history as a women's rights advocate and abortion activist, as well as her conversion to Islam in 2024.
Liu's activism extends beyond the movie set. She founded Collective Sex, a production company dedicated to exploring themes of sex identity, and directed Names of Women, a short film inspired by her own experiences. Her diverse portfolio includes roles in popular titles like His & Hers, No Good Deed, and Better Call Saul.
Other cast members at the premiere of I Love Boosters echoed Liu's sentiments, painting a vivid picture of Hollywood's growing critique of economic systems. As Liu continues to blend her screen presence with activism, she's becoming a powerful voice among her peers.