"Get Lost Virus" Graffiti Vandalism at Asian-Run Sushi Restaurant in France

On the 16th (local time), local French media reported that a sushi restaurant in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb southwest of Paris in the Hauts-de-Seine department, was targeted by racist graffiti vandalism.
Photo by Twitter

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Amid growing hatred toward East Asians due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), a sushi restaurant in France has become embroiled in controversy after being vandalized with graffiti.

Local media including the French daily Le Parisien reported on the 16th (local time) that a sushi restaurant in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb southwest of Paris in the Hauts-de-Seine department, was targeted with racially discriminatory graffiti vandalism.

According to reports, the restaurant's window was spray-painted with graffiti that read "Coronavirus, go away virus." The graffiti was reportedly removed the next morning by the Chinese owner.

Mr. Xi, the nephew of the owner, said, "Our family has been running a restaurant in this area for the past 20 years, and we have never heard any racist remarks before," adding, "The bigger problem is that this hatred is not the end but just the beginning."

Local media reported that as COVID-19 spreads worldwide, xenophobia against East Asians is increasing in European countries including France.

As this story spread on social networking services (SNS), voices criticizing racial discrimination have continued.

Netizens left messages of comfort and support for the affected sushi restaurant, saying, "Hatred is foolish and shameful," "I visited the restaurant to support the victims of racial discrimination," and "Racism blaming the Asian community is stupid."

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in France currently stands at 12, with one death reported.