Chinese actress Gong Li co-starred in the 2005 award-winning film Memoirs of a Geisha. Li, who was born in China, became a citizen of Singapore in November 2008. Li's decision to give up her Chinese citizenship sparked an online debate between those who condemn her choice and those who support it.*AFP: Gong Li's Citizenship Stirs Outrage in China (November 11, 2008)
Gong Li's citizenship has sparked a debate on Chinese chat rooms and message boards. Some feel that Li is a "traitor" because of her decision to renounce her Chinese citizenship and some have even called for a boycott of her films.AsiaOneNews: Chinese Netizens Slam Gong Li's New Citizenship Status (November 11, 2008) Since 2006, at least 10 Chinese celebrities have renounced their Chinese citizenships, including Jet Li.AsiaOneNews: Chinese Netizens Slam Gong Li's New Citizenship Status (November 11, 2008)