Just days after announcing the termination of his 10-year partnership with his manager, Hong Kong artiste Ronald Cheng has opened up about his ongoing struggles with depression and alcoholism.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 6), Cheng recounted his secret marriage to Cantopop singer Charlene Choi in 2006 and his drink-fuelled rampage on a plane in 2000, which led to his career nosedive.
“I still remember in 2000 when I caused trouble on a plane due to being drunk, which disappointed many fans and affected my family.
“Afterwards, I went through a short marriage. This marriage made me very unhappy and caused me to reflect on my own issues,” the 52-year-old wrote.
In March 2010, on the same day Cheng and Choi confirmed that they had secretly married in 2006, the pair revealed that they were in the process of getting a divorce.
Cheng has since moved on and is married to former television host Sammie Yu, with whom he shares two children.
In his statement, the singer-actor shared that Yu, 44, made him feel compelled to leave behind his alcoholic days.
Cheng had even decided to quit drinking at one point but realised his issues weren’t thoroughly resolved as he continued facing stress, work and people.
“I visited a doctor upon my friends’ suggestion and was diagnosed with depression.
“I relied on medication at the time but made a mistake of turning to alcohol once more to escape reality,” he wrote.
Cheng added that after taking time to self-reflect, he felt the need to change his ways.
The Rascal hitmaker also revealed that he will be seeking treatment in the United States as he wants to be a good husband, father and better version of himself.
“After completing my current work, my wife will accompany me to the US to seek treatment at a rehabilitation centre.
“I am in my 50s now and need to think clearly about how to face myself before I can face everyone else. I hope to return as a better person,” he concluded.
Many netizens and celebrity friends, such as actors Andrew Lam and Benjamin Au Yeung, have left comments encouraging Cheung in his struggle with depression and alcoholism.
"Hope you're doing well. Take your time to adjust both physically and mentally to your best condition," said one netizen.
Another added: "Don’t underestimate your own abilities. You can definitely overcome all challenges and become a happy Ronald Cheng again."
