SINGAPORE: Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee (李凯馨) has denied making derogatory remarks about Chinese nationals, addressing the matter publicly on Saturday (10 May) after a leaked audio clip allegedly featuring her voice sparked widespread outrage online.
The controversy began when a user claiming to be Lee’s former assistant posted a 31-second audio recording on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
In the audio clip, a woman could be heard saying she was “doing this not for fame, but for money”, and complaining about negative publicity because “most people in China are idiots”.
“All that matters is that there are movies to be filmed and money to be made. What else can I do?” the speaker continued.
“When it is over, I still get criticised, just because most Chinese nationals are idiots.”
Responding to the allegations, Lee took to Instagram, Weibo, and Facebook to refute the claims, stating that the voice in the recording was not hers.
“I’m sorry to have caused so much controversy and taken up public resources. I was very shocked when I heard the recording. This was definitely not what I said,” she wrote.
The 26-year-old actress, daughter of Taiwanese-born Singaporean host Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu, emphasised her deep ties and appreciation for China.
“I was born in China and returned to the country when I was 16. As I turn 26 this year, I have spent almost half of my life in China.
I have received many opportunities and help here, and I can shine in a career I like. I only have love and gratitude for this land, and I will never waver in my position on any issues concerning China,” she stated.
Lee also explained her delay in responding to the incident, noting that her team was working to verify the facts before issuing a statement.
“We were still sorting out the facts, hoping to give everyone a satisfactory answer,” she wrote, adding that she hopes to prove her sincerity through future actions and welcomes public scrutiny.
In addition to her personal statement, Lee released an official response from her studio, condemning the spread of false information.
“It had come to our attention that some online users were maliciously spreading false information about Lee, severely damaging her reputation, causing trouble in her private and professional life, and leaving a toxic impact on society,” the statement read.
The agency called on those responsible to immediately delete the false content and warned that legal action would be taken against those who refused to comply.
“For those who refuse to stop infringement or continue to spread rumours, we will protect our rights according to the law and will not tolerate them.”
The studio also urged netizens to verify information rationally and refrain from spreading misinformation.
Lee first gained attention in China in 2015 after starring in an Apple China commercial directed by acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui.
She later enrolled at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy in 2017 and has acted in several Chinese dramas, including Solaso Bistro (2017), My Poseidon (2019), and My Love, Enlighten Me (2020).
Her notable film roles include playing Nie Xiaoqian in The Enchanting Phantom (2020), a remake of the 1987 Hong Kong classic A Chinese Ghost Story.
Most recently, Lee was slated to star in the upcoming Chinese period drama The Journey of Legend, based on a novel by Malaysia-born author Woon Swee Oan.
She was expected to play one of the lead characters, Tang Fang, alongside Chinese actor Cheng Yi and actress Gulnazar Bextiyar. The series completed filming in October 2024.
However, following the controversy, her name is believed to have been removed from the official cast list, prompting speculation that the airing of the drama may be affected.
As of now, The Journey of Legend has yet to announce an official premiere date.
View this post on Instagram
The post Eleanor Lee denies derogatory comments about Chinese nationals amid leaked audio controversy appeared first on The Online Citizen.
