Rumours suggesting a rift between Hong Kong actors Kenneth Ma (left) and Kevin Cheng emerged in November. Photos: Kenneth Ma/Instagram, Kevin Cheng/Instagram
Hong Kong actor Kenneth Ma has denied rumours suggesting a rift between him and actor Kevin Cheng amid reports that the latter won't be attending his upcoming wedding to actress Roxanne Tong this month.
In an interview with Ming Pao Daily, Ma, 49, said he'd understand if Cheng, 54, couldn't make it to the ceremony due to his responsibilities as a father of three.
"Our wedding will also be held overseas, so it would be difficult for him to come for a few days. Whether he's able to attend or not, I fully understand (his situation)," he added.
Ma revealed during the interview that Cheng had already informed him about being unable to attend the wedding. When asked if he felt disappointed, the TVB star said true friends would be understanding in this situation.
"Everyone has to make a choice. Family comes first for me too. It's totally reasonable," he said.
Talks of the pair's alleged fallout surfaced in November when netizens noticed Cheng's absence from a gathering with his A Fistful Of Stances co-stars, as seen in actress Natalie Tong's photo.
Reports indicated that Cheng last reunited with his Fistful buddies in 2021 and was notably missing from his co-star Stephen Wong's wedding that following year.
The rumour intensified after Cheng, who's married to actress Grace Chan, mentioned cutting off things that are "a waste of time" when asked by Hong Kong media for a comment. However, he clarified then that there's no actual discord as he's been friends with Ma for many years.
During the interview with Ming Pao Daily, Ma acknowledged Cheng's reduced presence in their group gatherings but expressed understanding for his friend, who's currently juggling work and fatherhood.
"That's how close friends are. They join if they can, and it's fine if they can't. We just go with the flow," he said.
As for rumours of the conflict arising from Ma's collaboration with popular actress Charmaine Sheh, who Cheng had previously dated, Ma said: "I've worked with Charmaine about five or six years ago. If he were unhappy about it, he would've expressed them at the time."
