Hong Kong pop singer Gillian Chung returned to the stage on
Sunday for the first time after being embroiled in a
widely-criticized nude photo scandal. But her presence has drawn
hundreds of complaints.
Chung and her singing partner, Charlene Choi of the pop duo
Twins, were among an all-star line-up for a show, held by the local
TVB station, fundraising for the snowstorm-stricken people on the
mainland.
The night collected about 70 million Hong Kong dollars (US$8.98
million).
Despite the charity theme, TVB received more than 170 complaints
against Chung, who was seen in a string of photos leaked online
earlier this month.
The incident, which involves some other local celebrities,
shocked the Hong Kong entertainment scene, and Chung, who had
always had a girl-next-door persona, made a public apology last
week, following a video apology by Edison Chen. Chung said at a
press conference that she was "naive and very silly" when the
photos were taken.
Hong Kong pop duo Twins
perform for a fundraising show on Sunday, February 17, 2008.
Gillian Chung (L) made her first stage appearance on Sunday after
being involved in a nude photo scandal. (photo:
Tungstar/ent.sina.com.cn)
Chung's explanation however, failed to win fans.
Many accused her of lacking honesty and some acted to boycott
her.
At the Sunday show, many attending stars expressed their support
for Chung, but the 27-year-old appeared on the stage looking a bit
melancholy. Although there were dozens of Twins' fans holding
supportive banners on site, Chung seemingly eschewed making eye
contact with the audience.
She left the show immediately after Twins' performance.
Critics claim the scandal is to take a toll on Chung's career.
Since she is on the cast for Chen Kaige's upcoming biopic about
Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang, many media reports suspect that
her scenes might eventually be cut out, which the film's producer
denied.
(CRI February 19, 2008)
