TVB actor Mat Yeung denies getting special treatment in jail, says inmates taunted him

TVB actor Mat Yeung shares more about his life in prison. Photo: Mat Yeung/Instagram

Hong Kong actor Mat Yeung was released from prison on Jan 7 after serving his 18-day sentence over DUI convictions last December.

In a recent interview with Ming Pao, Yeung spoke about his life behind bars, describing it to be challenging.

The 42-year-old mentioned that during the first seven days of his incarceration, he had no books to read and would only rely on a pen and notebook to sketch the prison environment and exercise to pass time.

The actor also denied the rumours of him receiving special treatment in prison, emphasising that his celebrity status actually made things more difficult for him.

"If I had privileges, I wouldn't have been transferred from Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution to Stanley Prison which houses extremely serious offenders," he said.

Reflecting on his Stanley Prison stint, Yeung revealed that there were inmates with different political views who would taunt him by calling him names and shouting at him.

However, there were also friendly inmates who encouraged him and told him to persevere.

Looking back on when he first got arrested in August 2020 after crashing his car at Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, Yeung felt that he had wasted a lot of time.

The Airport Strikers star also admitted that he should think twice before doing something and to never take anything lightly.

"It made me realise that (I) should make the most of my time (in this world) and to cherish everything (I) have now because (I) don't want to leave with any regrets," he said.

When asked about whether he thought of changing careers and laying low, Yeung responded no.

"I joined TVB when I was 17 and have been here since. As long as I have acting opportunities here, I will continue staying with the company. I love acting after all," he added.

The actor admitted that although he did worry about whether his career would end following his jail sentence, he was lucky enough to receive continued support from TVB.

Expressing gratitude for getting a second chance in his career, Yeung vowed to work even harder to repay the broadcaster.

Presently, Yeung is filming for the long-running sitcom, Come Home Love: Lo And Behold.

It is reported that TVB is hoping to create a likeable character for the actor in efforts to fix his image.