Retired Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping away from acting in 2013 to focus on her personal life.
Now 60, the former screen icon continues to command influence, amassing a huge following on Xiaohongshu just days after debuting on the social media platform last month.
Recently, filmmaker Wong Jing recounted his friendship with Cheung in an online talk show.
He noted that Cheung was a lively and playful person who’s always quick to laugh. However, she gradually grew reserved after experiencing setbacks in her past relationships.
“Because several relationships didn’t go well, she started holding back and wasn’t as open or talkative as before,” he said.
Wong, 70, went on to share details of some of Cheung’s past romances – including a Korean hairstylist, a man introduced to her by her manager, and a young American.
However, according to Wong, the most troubling of her relationships was with a Malaysian real estate mogul, who allegedly "swindled" her out of a large sum of money.
“There was a Malaysian man who’s a scammer and took her money. Maggie has always been someone who leads with her heart. That’s why, (even when she isn’t happy) in a relationship, she tries to adjust,” he said.
Reports suggest that Cheung poured tens of millions into supporting her Malaysian ex-boyfriend, whose real estate ventures were facing financial difficulties at the time.
Despite her efforts, the projects ultimately collapsed, wiping out all the money she had invested. The businessman later left Cheung for a wealthy heiress.
Cheung is known for her performances in films such as Police Story (1985), As Tears Go By (1988), In The Mood For Love (2000), Hero (2002) and more.
She married French director Olivier Assayas in 1998 but divorced in 2001.
