Zhang Ziyi denies paid sex scandal
Chinese actress Zhang
Ziyi' s publicist released a statement on Tuesday,to
dismiss allegations that she had been paid to have sex with a
disgraced politician.
"We read this outrageous report in the Hong
Kong's Apple Daily. It sent stone-cold chills down our spines
and has left us with a feeling of deep sadness," Zhang's team said
in an online statement.
"During the last month, Zhang Ziyi has been busy
working day and night on the set of 'The Grandmasters.' Why should
this devoted and responsible actress have to suffer this kind of
slander and defamation?" the team asked.
Zhang is reportedly under investigation by the Chinese
government and has been barred from leaving the country.
Hong Kong's Apple Daily, as well as several other
Chinese mainland and Taiwanese media publications, reported on May
29 that a wealthy associate of the former Chinese official has
confessed he first paid Zhang 6 million yuan (US$944,244) in 2007,
to have sex with her.
Reports said he later negotiated deals for the official
to have sex with Zhang in Beijing at least 10 times between 2007
and 2011. The reports further claimed that Zhang's "sexual
transactions" with various rich and powerful figures have made her
the tidy sum of 700 million yuan (US$110 million) over the past
decade.
Several media outlets are speculating that the
investigations into these allegations could explain why Zhang was
absent from the recent Cannes film festival. Zhang's new film,
"Dangerous Liaisons," premiered at the 2012 Cannes film festival.
Her co-star, Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung, was in
attendance.
"Friends have advised us to release a short statement
and not take this seriously," Zhang's team continued, "The more you
argue, the more you will stir up. It would be better to step aside
until people lose interest and the lies disappear. The innocent
will always be innocent. "
"But this time we don't want to be silent. If we leave
these lies to spread, what is completely untrue will be at risk of
becoming a half-truth," the statement read, "This time, we are
telling those rumor-makers that we will respond. We will prove our
side of the story; we'll seek legal justice; we'll find you in the
darkest corner and go after you."
"We will seek justice for Zhang Ziyi by taking legal
action against Apple Daily and against any other media publishing
these false reports. "
Hong Kong law firm Hadlanes has sent a letter to Apple
Daily, stating the following: "Your allegations concerning our
client are completely untrue and constitute a grave libel upon her.
In consequence of the publication of these statements, our client's
reputation has been seriously damaged and she has suffered
considerable distress and embarrassment."
Hadlanes asked for a complete retraction and an open
apology by May 30, 2012 and has reserved the rights to proceed with
legal actions and claim damages.
Zhang's team also thanked supporters and said no matter
what libel may occur, Zhang Ziyi never forgets that she is a
professional. "We just want to help her get rid of this disturbance
and seek justice. Then she will be able to shoot her films in peace
and quiet and present you, her fans, with more and better films in
return."
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2012-05/30/content_25519339.htm
