China Blocks All References to Chloe Zhao’s Oscar Win

Chloé Zhao made history Sunday by becoming the first Chinese woman to win the Oscar for best director, winning the category for the film Nomadland. Those in China, however, aren't celebrating Zhao's win. In fact, most Chinese citizens would be stunned to learn she won. According to the Wall Street Journal, Chinese media, major search engines, and social media platforms have removed and censored all mentions of Zhao's win.

When users search for Zhao on China's two main search engines, Baidu and Sogou, they are directed to links of deleted articles that mention her Academy Award.

So, what exactly did Zhao do to upset the Chinese Communist Party? Soon after Zhao's best director win at the Golden Globes last month, a 2013 interview in which she said China is “a place where there are lies everywhere" resurfaced.

Chinese state media then went from calling Zhao “the pride of China” to censoring mentions of her and reportedly publishing critiques of Zhao from social media users. In addition, the 2013 article has since been “edited and condensed," even omitting Zhao referring to her upbringing in China.

Congratulations to Chloé Zhao. Few people watched the Oscars, but winning best director remains an achievement of a lifetime.

How will LeBron defend China's decision? All someone has to do is ask his thoughts, and he will then show us how.