The hottest story from Hong Kong the past couple of days has to be on the viral video of 69-year-old Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang kissing a Malaysian model at the latter's birthday party.
Tsang, who is also the general manager of TVB, has said that he did not know the 26-year-old model – who goes by the moniker Lebara on social media – when he was invited to attend the party.
Tsang added that he gave her a kiss as a "polite" gesture.
"They were celebrating their friend’s birthday, and her wish was to have me sing a birthday song for her. After singing the song, it was only polite manners to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thus, I don’t understand why it has become such a big deal,” Tsang told the Hong Kong media.
Lebara, who is suddenly getting an influx of attention, went on social media to address the controversy as well.
“A small birthday greeting has caused a lot of uproar ... My birthday wish is world peace, but it is seems the opposite has happened. I wonder if I made the wrong wish?" she said, adding that she is confident of herself and won't be perturbed by comments.
According to a Singaporean entertainment portal, the 1.8m-tall Lebara hails from Kuala Lumpur.
Signed under Now Models, she has starred in several commercials, including one opposite TVB actor Benjamin Yuen. She is said to be the goddaughter of Hong Kong tycoon Lawrence Yu and is often seen out and about in the Hong Kong social scene.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
