HK actor Edison Chen addresses 2008 sex photo scandal: 'Everyone thought it was over for me'

Hong Kong star Edison Chen was involved in a sex photo scandal in early 2008. Photo: Edison Chen/Instagram

Hong Kong singer-actor Edison Chen has opened up about his sex photo scandal that rocked the city’s entertainment scene some 15 years ago.

In a recent interview with Taiwan media, Chen – who usually declines to comment on the matter – said that he had been working all the while then despite popular belief that the scandal had derailed his career.

“Maybe in 2008, everyone thought it was over for me. But I didn’t give up or lose my way. Everyone who looked at my Instagram account assumed I was on a break when I was actually working every day,” the 43-year-old said.

In early 2008, explicit photos of Chen with various women – including actresses Gillian Chung, Bobo Chan and Cecilia Cheung – were leaked online after he sent his computer for repair.

At that time, the actor held a press conference where he apologised to everyone – including the women involved – and announced his indefinite withdrawal from Hong Kong's entertainment scene.

In an interview with British media in 2016, Chen said that the scandal may have knocked him down, but he emerged stronger from the experience.

The Infernal Affairs (2002) star also acknowledged that his failure to judge the situation properly back then had been the root cause of the issue.

Chen hasn’t been active in the entertainment industry since his daughter, Alaia, was born in 2017. He is married to Chinese supermodel Qin Shupei and the family-of-three are currently residing in the United States.

During the interview in Taiwan, Chen said that his main job now is being a father. He's also the co-founder of Clot, a Hong Kong-based streetwear and fashion label.

Regarding his showbiz career, Chen said that he’s interested in acting and has been taking part in various auditions in Hollywood. However, he has yet to receive a role.