For years, Jason Momoa has repped his Native Hawaiian culture in Hollywood. His background influenced roles like Aquaman, and he’s proudly discussed his heritage during interviews. He protested the TMT construction atop Mauna Kea and raised awareness for the issue on social media. His identity also informs his passion for combating ocean pollution and single-use plastics.
However, the actor’s behavior over the past couple of months has drawn sharp criticism from Native Hawaiians.
It all started back in October, when Jason shared a social media post of a fishing trip. In the pics, he wore a malo (a piece of traditional Native Hawaiian clothing). The internet went wild, with thousands of comments thirsting over the 43-year-old.
Unfortunately, the US has a long history of sexualizing Native Hawaiians. Back when Christian missionaries first arrived in the Hawaiian Kingdom, they banned hula — a sacred, cultural practice — because it was “enchanting.” To this day, Indigenous people are often sexualized and exoticized.
Knowing this, some Native Hawaiians jumped to Jason’s defense and called out the sexualization of an Indigenous man wearing traditional clothing. One person said the “hysteria” was “laced with racism.”
I'm gonna say it: The hysteria over the Jason Momoa fishing pics is laced with racism. The hyper- and over-sexualization of Native Hawaiians, including Hawaiian men, are for real and harmful. The way some write-ups be like "I don't know what he's wearing, but I don't care." Ugh.
— Keʻōpū Reelitz, J.D. (@keopu) October 25, 2022
Another pointed out that, regardless of intention, “the context of Hawaiians being sexualized for their customs runs deeper than you.”
But things took a turn the following month, when Jason appeared on an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jimmy pulled out the viral pic of Jason fishing, and the actor said that he’d been wearing the malo daily in preparation for his role in Chief of War, an upcoming show set in Hawai’i in the 1700s. Then, Jason removed his clothes to reveal the malo he wore underneath.
He turned in a circle to give the audience the full view, gave a little bow, and jiggled his butt in Jimmy’s direction.
Many Native Hawaiians condemned Jason’s behavior. One person called it “the most disgusting display of pick-me behavior I’ve seen from an Indigenous person in Hollywood to date.”
Despite all the backlash he’s received from people in his community, Jason posted another controversial video a few days ago. It began with the actor promoting new shirts for sale.
And it ended with him baring his butt in the malo again, dancing as he walked away.
Most of the commenters were appreciative and joked about how many times they watched the video.
But some Native Hawaiians criticized Jason. One person called him a “wannabe” and told him to “get the hell out” of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Of course, not all Polynesians are disappointed with Jason. There are many who aren’t bothered by his recent behavior and still support him.
What are your thoughts about Momoa’s recent behavior?