Disgust over bra-clad pix

PETALING JAYA: Fans of Gillian Chung, one half of famed Hong Kong singing duo Twins, are outraged that bra-clad pictures of her have appeared on the cover of a Hong Kong magazine and on the Internet following her performance in Malaysia. 

The photographs were allegedly snapped without Chung's knowledge while she was changing costumes during a singing performance in Genting Highlands last week. 

One of the cover photos in question, published in the current issue of Easy Finder magazine, shows Chung fixing her bra backstage. Her breasts were not revealed. 

The second, smaller cover photo shows Chung undressed shoulder up. The headline reads, “Ah Kiu releases bra near back window,'' using Chung's Chinese nickname. Local fans jammed radio station 98.8’s Oriental Rice Bowl programme yesterday to voice their support for Chung, venting anger and disgust at the parties responsible for the pictures. 

IN TEARS:Chung breakingdown overthe obscenephotographs ofher on thecover of aHong Kongmagazine. Onher left is Choi.Inset: One ofthe secretlytaken photosof her in thedressing room.

It was reported that Chung was emotional and cried when the pictures hit the streets in Hong Kong a few days ago and also on the Internet. 

The pictures showed her bare back and Chung clad in a bra while she was in the changing room with her personal assistant. The Twins had performed at the Arena of Stars in Genting on Aug 18-19. Twins, comprising Chung and Charlene Choi were former models turned Cantopop darlings. 

Oriental Rice Bowl presenters Sam Mak and Louise Lau were not surprised over the flood of calls when Chung's topic came up for discussion. 

“Many of the callers are her fans and expressed support for her. They all condemned the pictures, saying such violation of privacy was cruel to the singer.” 

Lau said a few callers also expressed their concern that the “exposure” would hurt Malaysia’s image as a safe and secure country. 

The callers also asked for accountability from parties responsible for ensuring the safety and privacy of performing artistes. 

In Hong Kong, critics denounced the picture's display as “despicable”, AP reported. 

The photo has drawn protests from the government, editorialists, journalists and members of the public. 

The Hong Kong Journalists Association said in a statement the photos violated professional ethics and “seriously'' violated personal privacy. 

The respected Ming Pao Daily News said in an editorial the cover “can only be described as dirty and obscene.'' 

Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong was quoted as saying in Ming Pao, “taking photos secretly is always wrong.'' 

Chung's record label EEG said in a statement it is seeking legal advice.  

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