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)
