Constance Wu speaks her truth in ‘Making a Scene’

Ishaan Nandwani, Opinions Editor

Constance Wu has lived a life that many can only imagine.

As an actress, Wu starred in the acclaimed television series “Fresh Off the Boat” and the 2018 film “Crazy Rich Asians,” which launched her to stardom. Both projects were considered turning points for Asian American representation in Hollywood.

However, Wu has also lived a life that is not foreign to many of us, in which she has experienced immeasurable disappointment, heartbreak and depression.

In her October 2022 memoir, “Making a Scene,” Wu bares her truth to the world. Formatted as a collection of essays, “Making a Scene” is a raw account of Wu’s formative experiences, from her childhood in suburban Richmond to her time spent waiting tables in New York City as an aspiring actress.

While the memoir’s public draw is more likely the behind-the-scenes details of Wu’s film and television career, “Making a Scene” grants readers something far greater than the inside scoop on Hollywood: solidarity in Wu’s expression of her most human emotions.

The memoir is highly captivating and an accessible read. Wu’s candor is refreshing, particularly in her revelation of emotions such as jealousy and description of her experiences with topics that our society often shies away from, such as sex and intimate relationships.

Wu is a skilled writer, and her style of storytelling commands attention. I don’t have any interest in baking bread, but upon reading Wu’s detailed narration of the mixing, kneading, shaping and baking process — which she learned from her first job at Montana Gold Bread Co. in Carytown — I found myself (unsuccessfully) attempting a homemade loaf of focaccia.

I was drawn to the lack of chronology to the essays, not knowing what place in Wu’s life we would find her. Some essays are better than others, but it’s evident that each is deeply personal to Wu.

A chapter of Wu’s story that has received considerable media attention, which she unpacks in the memoir, is a 2019 incident in which Wu experienced extensive backlash after tweeting her frustration about the renewal of her television series, “Fresh Off the Boat.” She was labeled as ungrateful and entitled, and even a “blight on the Asian American community” by a fellow Asian actress. The shame Wu felt caused her to attempt suicide, but she was rescued by a friend.

In “Making a Scene,” Wu discusses the circumstances that led her to speak out on Twitter. She explains how she was sexually harrassed by one of the show’s producers in her early days on set, and despite telling a few colleagues, they maintained close relationships with him. 

She explains that with the show’s falling ratings and the signs pointing to cancellation, she was given permission to seek out other jobs — but was now contractually obligated to drop them. She expresses how all her emotions ebbed from her at once, as she had never been any good at holding them in.

The public reaction to Wu’s Twitter “outburst” illustrates how we live in a world that is quick to judge — even without having all the information. When it’s a woman expressing her discontent, society views her all the more harshly.

Wu made it through the storm, but she just as easily could not have been so lucky. After addressing what happened behind-the-scenes, she garnered support. This illustrates the important reminder to practice empathy, particularly in our interactions online. It’s easy to hide behind a screen, but our words can have far-reaching effects — even when we don’t realize it.

Another important takeaway from this memoir is how in industries like Hollywood, harassment and manipulation of women — particularly those who are vulnerable and aspiring to the profession — is frequent. In “Making a Scene,” Wu recounts how she was taken advantage of on several occasions before she achieved success.

Being successful should not be a prerequisite for respect in any industry, but Hollywood is especially notorious for such treatment. Fortunately, this culture has begun to change, particularly after the #MeToo movement took off in 2017. Wu’s revelation will continue to inspire other women to share their stories.

Ultimately, “Making a Scene” is an effective, engaging memoir that benefits deeply from its vulnerability — I highly recommend this read.