Sharon Stone is under heavy fire for suggesting that the magnitude 8 earthquake which struck China on 12 May has been the result of "bad karma" concerning the alleged mistreatment of Tibetans by the Chinese authorities. The 50 year old actress, a former Scientologist, has recently converted to Tibetan Buddhism after being introduced to the Dalai Lama by Richard Gere.

The Sichuan earthquake killed nearly 70,000 people, injured nearly 400,000 and left nearly 5 million people homeless. The magnitude 8 quake lasted around 2 minutes and was followed by a string of powerful aftershocks. The tremor was felt in most nearby countries. Estimated total damages exceed $20 billion. A three-day period of national mourning for the quake victims was declared on May 19.

As a result of Sharon Stone's insensitive remarks, her films will be banned in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Chinese public relations company for cosmetic and couture giant Christian Dior has decided to pull off Stone's image from its advertisements.

Also, many Chinese are demanding through various means that the actress apologizes for her inappropriate comments. Online activists have posted videos on YouTube and other video sharing sites demanding that Sharon Stone says she is sorry for alleging China brought the quake upon itself.

Stone, who has a long history of political activism, also said that she had recently received a letter from a Tibetan organization planning to do disaster relief work in China. She said that made her cry and also understand that "sometimes you have to learn to put your head down and be of service even to people who are not nice to you."