Written by Our Correspondent
Beleaguered movie director Jack Neo who was embroiled in a
series of sensational sex scandals lately had lashed out at a
former employee Foyce Le Xuan for accusing him of sexual
harrassment.
Foyce had earlier told the media that Jack had made numerous
sexual advances towards her during her stint with his entertainment
group. including inviting her to a hotel room to share
“personal” and “quiet” moments with him.
She also claimed that she was gradually dropped from acting
assignments and projects because she had rejected all sexual
overtures from Jack.
Speaking to Lianhe Wanbao yesterday, Foyce said she had kept the
SMSes Jack had sent her as evidence.
“It makes no sense that so many women besides me have
accused him of sexual harrassment too. Jack’s denial shows that he
still has not realized his mistake and remain
unrepentant,” she added.
In an interview with Shin Min Daily today, Jack now
counter-accused Foyce of lying.
He said that both of them meet up regularly as they belong to
the same church (City Harvest) and questioned why she only came
forward with her story now after six years.
“She really has no other motives? Where is the evidence? Can
those few SMSes be used as evidence?” Jack
questioned.
He also dismissed the allegations made by a 16 year
old girl Maelle Meurzec that he had made sexual overtures
towards her.
“How I can go after a 16 year old girl? I will never do
that. Her mother even brought her daughter out (to the media
spotlight). What is the motive? She said so much? Got any
proof?”
[Source: Shin Min Daily, 14 March 2010]
Insiders from the entertainment industry disputed Jack’s defence
of himself as it is impossible to provide concrete evidence in
such cases.
Furthermore, both Foyce and Maelle have nothing to gain by
sharing their encounters with the media. After all, it is not
exactly a proud moment for the women to savor by admitting that
they were sexually harrased by a man.
Jack Neo was reported to be a close friend of Foreign Minister
George Yeo who issued a call on Singaporeans to “rally” around him
immediately after the scandal erupted.
He might be having regrets now after seeing how his buddy has
handled the saga so far. With Jack coming forward with his story,
the media appeared to be less harsh on him and swaying to his
side now to lessen the damage from the fallout which is hardly
surprising since Jack is closely associated with the PAP.