We haven't said anything about the ongoing Edison Chen sex photo scandal in these pages - the Hong Kong singer and movie star had stacks of sexually explicit photos of himself and a number of prominent HK actresses leaked online after taking his computer in for servicing - because we're neither a gossip blog nor particular interested in Chen's naughty bits but things came to a surprising conclusion today with Chen holding a press conference in which he acknowledged that most of the photos were both legitimate and taken by himself, apologized profusely to fans and the involved ladies for the photos leaking and then announced his outright retirement from the entertainment industry once he finishes up his current obligations.
On the one hand I'm tempted to simply say that this entire event was the result of simply phenomenal stupidity on the part of absolutely all involved - including the women, who shouldn't get a free pass - for first not realizing that these sorts of photos always leak and, second, being idiotic enough to not realize that some random computer repair guy wouldn't leap on the chance to capitalize. On the other hand, whether you love him or hate him there's no denying that Chen is a huge star throughout Asia with his fingers in all sorts of different pies, and one who was increasingly looking to push into North America, so his retirement creates an immediate void. But, mostly, I kind of feel like simply telling him, good on you. You screwed up, sure, and screwed up pretty large but well done stepping up, owning up to your own foolishness and taking it like a man.
Interesting change of pace from the way things work here in America, where people have built their careers with leaked photos like those. Though it seems like outright retiring is maybe a little drastic?
I have a feeling he's retiring from the entertainment industry in HK, but he'll still pursue an entertainment career in Hollywood or Taiwan.
he should apologize for his acting in the grudge 2.. far more offensive
Ard: I'm whistling innocently whilst twiddling my thumbs.
Visitor: Can't imagine anyone would care enough to drop him from The Dark Knight on these shores. In Asia, sure, but can't iamgine they'll drop him in North America unless they're using the scandal as a pretext and he's just reallybad in it.
From hearing the guy talk, he seems like a real jerk. And that's besides this scandal. I agree that everyone involved made some bone-headed decisions, especially the woman who are taking the route of befuddlement as if they had no idea what he was doing. Please.
"...there’s no denying that Chen is a huge star throughout Asia with his fingers in all sorts of different pies" -- GOLD!
I agree with you, Momo the Cow.
In Hong Kong, many stars have to act like a very [clean] people; they won't talk anything about sex and political (or maybe they would say that they never have sex and know nothing about political) . Why? Because many people care stars' personal life much more than their acting/singing skill.
Now, more and more Hong Kong stars are good at keeping their [clean] image, but bad at acting/singing....
er, should it be "leaving the nest"?
I think the big shock for me, aside from Cecilia Cheung's personal grooming style, is why would a star of her stature or Gillian's take the chance at having these pictures ever taken in the first place?
Are they that naive to not realize that there's always a chance stuff like this could get released to the public?
Cecilia was throwing Hustler poses in those shots. Really, I know she's a bit of a wild girl, but Edison is hardly worth the risk is he?
Guys, guys, guys!
No details about what's on those pictures please. I have enough of a hard time resisting trying to find them as it is.
At least wait until I'm home, and not internetting from work...
re: Mary
Didn't know local stars shied away from political stuff too. Interesting.
I always thought that when *I* could hear the Twins singing out of tune, then something must truly be wrong.
I also wonder if the tabloids are also partly at fault that so many people know the intimate details of the stars here but can't remember their lyrics. It must be hard to be a celebrity in such a small city with such a giant tabloid industry.
Funny. We were just talking about this earlier this week.
re: Momo the Cow
There is another type of stars; they will says things to please Chinese government/Hong Kong government as much as possible....
After 1997, many bussiness people don't want to make Chinese government angry; they will only try their best to please Chinese government/Hong Kong government. Same things happen to some Hong Kong stars....
There are only very few people (in Hong Kong entertainment industry) who are willing to criticize Chinese government/Hong Kong government when they make mistake; Johnnie To is a good example.
(After all, I think Johnnie To is one of the most honest people in Hong Kong entertainment industry; it is one of the reason why I like him)
I think i need to take extenze or viagra... Mine is like a #2 pencil but only sharpen to and near the eraser... Damn Edison keep choking these broads will yah...
If you don't know much about this, read the Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edison_Chen_photo_scandal
This was a huge scandal. Some bits are just crazy - "the triads have reportedly offered a HK$500,000 reward to anybody who hacks off Edison Chen's hand". And the way the police handled everything is actually scary. "The Hong Kong police moved on all Internet service providers to stamp out all local traces of the "offensive material" (which had not yet even been classified). The police held a meeting with more than 200 people responsible for major Hong Kong Web sites and BBS communities to urge them to delete the pictures. [...] Police ordered several locally registered Web sites and BBS management firms to submit information about their clients" - and it goes on and on like that.
From the Variety story: "Sitting at a solo table with a single microphone, Chen cut a lonely figure. Grey and skinny, he spoke without notes, in English, and with only a couple of hesitations. But as his voice faded and his apologies became repeated it became clear that he was a man in a state of shock."
Retirement at age 27 seems pretty drastic, but after this crazy scandal, his career in Hong Kong is pretty much over anyway. Maybe he can start a new career as a computer privacy and security consultant?
LOL its funny I told my friends about this and they said who the hell is Edison Chen.
You had me at Cecilia Cheung. Let him retire! No one should be that lucky.
Damn. Now I want to see those pictures.
The guy should move to Hollywood, stars get born this way.
On topic
http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/edison-chen-and-gillian-chung-naughty-pic-scandal/
http://www.mclady.net/blog/2008/02/09/sex-scandal-affects-edison-chen-gillian-chung-bobo-chan-lives/
Enjoy the jucy pics.
He'll be back in a few years.
In America, obviously.
Ugh. I guess "personal grooming" isn't big in HK.
No, not when you aren't expecting people to see your haircut.
'The bride and no groom with the black hair'