Nationality Nightmare: Taiwan Coach Les Mills Fights Back Against Label Controversy
Taiwanese Coaches Protest Against Les Mills’ Nationality Label Controversy
CNEWS Convergence News Network reporter Pan Yonghong/reporting from Taipei
Les Mills’ Nationality Label Controversy Sparks Resentment Among Taiwanese Coaches
The well-known international aerobic system Les Mills (Les Mills) recently characterized the nationality of Taiwanese trainers as “Chinese Taiwan” in a post celebrating the Bodycombat100 event, sparking strong resentment among Taiwanese Les Mills coaches and supporters. Many coaches and fans expressed their protest in the post, calling on the Taiwan branch of Les Mills to respond and head office to correct the mistake.
A fitness aerobics instructor attending the event said in an interview that LesMills is a world-renowned aerobic exercise system with a large supporter base in Taiwan, especially the Body Combat (boxing aerobics) program, which is a main course in many gyms.
Taiwan’s National Identity Issue
The coach noted that this system has been introduced many times in Taiwan’s fitness clubs and has been warmly welcomed, but this time Lesmills identified the nationality of the Taiwanese trainers as “China Taiwan”, touching on the issue of Taiwan’s national identity. Dissatisfaction with coaches and fans grows.
Protest and Call for Correction
In response to the incident, many coaches and fans protested on social media, insisting that “Les Mills should respect Taiwan” and “national identity cannot be compromised”, and called on the Les Mills Taiwan branch to respond immediately.
Yang Ruofang, Taipei City Councilor of the Democratic Progressive Party, noted that about 1/4 of Taiwan’s gyms have introduced Lice Mills’ aerobics course, they have actively responded to the sports culture promotion policy with a high market share for many years and are deeply loved by Taiwan’s fitness enthusiasts.
Damage to Trust and Reputation
Yan Ruofang emphasized that the nationality labeling in Lys Mills’ Instagram posts has seriously damaged the trust of most fans in the Taiwanese market. This labeling method is not only disrespectful to Taiwan’s fitness industry, but also reflects the manipulation of thinkers. People, political problems pervade all walks of life.
Yan Ruofang urged the Taiwan branch of Lyce Mill to immediately correct the nationality label and explain the matter to the outside world as soon as possible, otherwise it will not only make the Taiwanese people feel unfair, but may also arouse suspicion and criticism from international democratic countries.