The actress of Singapore Eleanor Lee, who has been active in China, is facing an intense repercussions on a leaked audio clip that presumably his derogatory observations on the Chinese. Despite his denial, Chinese netizen remain furious.
On May 10, Straits Times and other Singapore stores reported that Eleanor Lee had been removed from the cast of the cast of the Chinese historical drama “The Journey of Legend” due to the controversy. The storm broke out after an audio clip of 31 seconds was shared online by someone who claimed to be the former Lee manager. The clip would have included statements such as “I am doing it not for honor but for money” and “most of the Chinese is stupid”.
Lee took his personal social media to explain, saying: “I was shocked when I heard the audio. I never said things like that”. He added: “I was born in China and I moved to Singapore at the age of 16. Now at 26, I spent almost half of my life here. China has given me opportunities, support and the possibility of shining doing what I love. I only feel affection and gratitude for this country.”
His Chinese agency also came in his defense, stating that the audio was made and announced plans for legal actions.
However, Chinese netizen remain unconvinced. The online comments range from “this is intolerable” to the requests that Lee is removed from all Chinese productions and expelled from the country. Some have accused her of being arrogant and ungrateful, intensifying the dispute.
Despite the clear negation of the actress and the claims of vocal manipulation, the accident has rekindled wider concerns in China on respect for celebrities of foreign origin and on the consequences of public distrust in the digital era.
