Latest news with #QuanYifeng
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Ex-assistant of Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee admits to faking anti-China audio clips in public apology
SINGAPORE, May 21 — The former assistant of Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has issued a public apology for fabricating audio recordings of the star, in what she admitted was an attempt to pressure her former company into paying compensation. Lee, the daughter of veteran Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, had earlier found herself embroiled in controversy after audio clips surfaced online in which she was allegedly heard insulting Chinese nationals. The recordings drew backlash across Chinese social media platforms. In a Weibo post today, Lee's management agency China Artiste Management confirmed that the recordings were doctored by the assistant, following a police investigation. The agency said the incident stemmed from a personal dispute and denounced the assistant's actions as a serious infringement of Lee's rights. A Weibo user going by the name 'Xiaopang', who identified herself as Lee's former assistant, released a statement of apology on the same day. Her post was reshared on the official page of Lee's agency. 'After being educated and corrected by the police, I realised that the act of maliciously editing, synthesising, and fabricating recordings of Li Kaixin 'insulting the Chinese people' and other acts of spreading false information are against the law, and have caused serious reputational damage to Li Kaixin,' she wrote, referring to Lee by her Chinese name. The user added that she recognised her mistake and apologised to the actress, whom she described as 'positive, hardworking and talented'. She denied that Lee had ever expressed disapproval of China or made the offensive remarks circulated online. In her statement, the user said she had worked as Lee's personal assistant from 2017 to 2019 at a Beijing-based media firm. After being let go in 2019, she claimed to have had ongoing disputes with the company and felt she was treated 'unfairly'. Before leaving, she secretly recorded conversations with Lee and later manipulated the clips to use in her compensation demands, which she continued to pursue over the next five years. Failing to reach a settlement and having been blocked by the company's representative, the assistant admitted that she 'lost control of her emotions' in 2024 after seeing updates about one of the agency's artistes. In July that year, she circulated the altered audio clips online 'to vent her anger' and fabricated additional content 'on impulse'. She said she did not anticipate the extent of harm caused to Lee and asked for forgiveness. 'In the three years I worked at the company, I saw Li Kaixin's growth, and witnessed the efforts she has put in,' the user wrote. 'She never expressed disapproval towards China or the Chinese people, and did not, nor could have said the insulting words towards Chinese people that appeared in the edited and synthesised recordings I made of her.'
CNA
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Quan Yifeng reveals why she fell out with ex-best friend Addy Lee
Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng has broken her silence on former BFF, celebrity hairstylist-turned-rabbit breeder Addy Lee's accusations towards her. On May 13 and 14, 2025, Addy Lee went live on Facebook accusing Quan and her daughter, China-based Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee, of being ungrateful. He also claimed that Quan had a bad temper and after making S$300,000 doing livestream sales with him during the pandemic, she threw a tantrum and ended the partnership. In an interview with Zaobao, Quan revealed the real reason behind their fallout, and why despite raking in the big bucks from livestreaming, she still chose to end the partnership. Quan shared that at the start of the pandemic, Addy Lee saw a business opportunity doing livestream sales and roped her in. As she had just sold her Siglap penthouse and home visits were banned during the lockdown, she moved into Addy Lee's home so they could continue their work together. Thus began her gruelling routine, hosting programmes by day and livestreaming sales by night. 'I worked over 10 hours a day, and when I got home, I'd livestream all night. Once, I streamed for 14 hours straight. During those three months, I was exhausted to the point of wanting to die – but that wasn't why I chose to leave,' she said. Quan shared that when she was livestreaming, she made $400,000 over three months (not $300,000 in a month as Addy Lee claimed), which was more than what she earned in a year at Mediacorp. 'That money felt like it fell from the sky! It was the first time I saw such a large sum in my account,' she said. But the 'more [she] did it, the more afraid [she] became'. Quan explained that her supervisors at Mediacorp had begun to notice her livestreaming activities and found it inappropriate given her employment there. Furthermore, when Addy Lee began selling his self-developed products, she didn't fully understand them and started to feel uneasy promoting them. She also felt bad when she saw her fans buying products in bulk – more than they could use – just to support her. 'I knew if I kept doing it, I'd definitely get rich. But I didn't want to exploit people,' she explained. 'These were the people who gave me a second chance, who helped me get back on my feet when I had fallen. I wouldn't get a third chance. So I chose to step away.' She recounted the night she made her decision: Hiding in her room, while Addy Lee's assistant knocked repeatedly, asking her to join the livestream. When she finally appeared, she had a 'black face' and barely spoke, making the atmosphere awkward enough that Addy Lee ended the stream abruptly. Soon after, she and Eleanor Lee moved out and left behind a long farewell letter. 'I reported everything to the tax authorities and also informed my company,' she emphasised. Although word of their falling out spread quickly, when reporters approached her in 2020, she declined to explain. 'I believe in parting ways with friends peacefully. If we still have fate, let's cherish it. If not, slowly fade from each other's lives, that's fine too,' she said. Meanwhile, Addy Lee has turned the target of his tea-spilling spree to actress and former business partner Michelle Chia. The pair, along with host Pornsak, had co-founded livestreaming company Mdada in 2020. All three have since fallen out with each other. On May 15, 2025, Addy Lee shared that he would make revelations about Chia on his livestream and also questioned her about wages owed to him. 'Why haven't you replied to my emails and text messages for a year? I just want your help getting my wages back, but you haven't replied. Now I'm trying to retrieve my S$18,000 coffee machine and two Apple computers from the company – and still, no response,' he wrote. Addy Lee also mentioned that when Chia had a dispute with Pornsak, he was the one who stood up for her. He warned that if she didn't respond before the livestream to clarify things, he would reveal her alleged 'matters in Europe with a male celebrity'. Chia later seemingly responded via her Instagram Story by sharing a philosophical quote about speaking wisely. The video, titled 'Speak with caution', said: 'Those who know do not speak; those who speak do not know. The wise speak slowly; the foolish speak too much. One is not valued for sharp words but for keen ears and sharp eyes.' During his livestream that evening, Addy Lee alleged that during a live-selling trip to Europe, after their work ended, Chia and a male celebrity went out and did not return that night. This reportedly angered Pornsak and he gave Chia a hard time afterward. As for his own beef with Chia, Addy Lee said after they had a quarrel, she stopped responding to his messages. He emphasised that his reason for going public was simply to retrieve 'what he is owed'.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
‘Total shock': Singapore actress Eleanor Lee says leaked anti-China hot mic isn't her
SINGAPORE, May 12 — Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has addressed the public backlash following a leaked audio clip that allegedly featured her making derogatory remarks about Chinese nationals. The controversy erupted after a 30-second recording was shared on Weibo last month by a netizen claiming to be Lee's former assistant. In the audio, a woman can be heard saying, 'I'm doing this not for fame, but for money,' and 'most people in China are idiots.' On Saturday, Lee took to social media to clear the air and apologise for the turmoil caused. She expressed her shock upon hearing the recording, stating, 'I'm sorry to have caused so much controversy and taken up public resources. I was very shocked when I heard the recording. This was definitely not what I said.' The 25-year-old actress, who is the daughter of Singaporean TV host Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu, explained her delay in responding, saying, 'As to why I did not immediately stand up [to the allegations] is because we were still sorting out the facts, hoping to give everyone a satisfactory answer.' She further emphasised her long-standing connection to China, having spent nearly half her life there. 'I'm now 26 and have spent close to half my life in China. Here, I've received many opportunities and have been able to shine in a career that I love. I have absolute love and gratitude towards this land,' Lee said. The actress, who gained prominence in China after starring in an Apple China commercial in 2015, has built a successful career across Chinese TV series such as Solas Bistro (2017), My Poseidon (2019), and My Love, Enlighten Me (2020). Her role in the 2020 film The Enchanting Phantom, a remake of the 1987 classic A Chinese Ghost Story, also garnered significant attention. However, the recent scandal has affected her future projects. Lee was reportedly set to star in the upcoming Chinese period drama The Journey of Legend, based on a novel by Malaysian author Woon Swee Oan. Filming for the series wrapped up in October 2024, but following the uproar, Lee's name has allegedly been removed from the cast list. While the official premiere date remains unannounced, fans are speculating that the controversy may have impacted the show's release. Lee's statement concludes with a commitment to proving her character through her actions. 'I also hope to prove my attitude with my actions and I welcome everyone to examine them moving forward,' she said.
CNA
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee denies calling Chinese nationals ‘idiots'
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has broken her silence on the online uproar related to a leaked audio clip allegedly of the 25-year-old making derogatory comments about Chinese nationals. The furore began when a netizen claiming to be Lee's former assistant released a 30-second audio recording on Chinese social media platform Weibo in April. In the recording, a woman can be heard saying she is 'doing this not for fame, but for money' and that 'most people in China are idiots'. Lee took to social media platforms Instagram, Weibo and Facebook on Sat (May 10) to clear the air. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) She wrote, 'I'm sorry to have caused so much controversy and taken up public resources. I was very shocked when I heard the recording. This was definitely not what I said.' The second-gen star – whose mother is Taiwan-born Singapore TV host Quan Yifeng and father is actor Peter Yu – said, 'I'm now 26 and have spent close to half my life in China. Here, I've received many opportunities and have been able to shine in a career that I love. I have absolute love and gratitude towards this land." "As to why I did not immediately stand up [to the allegations] is because we were still sorting out the facts, hoping to give everyone a satisfactory answer." "I also hope to prove my attitude with my actions and I welcome everyone to examine them moving forward." Lee first gained prominence in China in 2015 after appearing in an Apple China commercial directed by award-winning Hong Kong film-maker Ann Hui. She then pursued acting in China and studied at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy in 2017. Lee has starred in several Chinese TV series including Solaso Bistro (2017), My Poseidon (2019) and My Love, Enlighten Me (2020). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) Lee also fronted the Chinese movie The Enchanting Phantom (2020), a remake of the 1987 Hong Kong film A Chinese Ghost Story in which she played the plum role of Nie Xiaoqian. Lee is said to star in an upcoming Chinese period drama The Journey Of Legend. However, since the online furore, her name is believed to have been removed from the cast list. The period drama is based on a novel by Malaysia-born author Woon Swee Oan, in which Lee plays one of the main characters, Tang Fang, alongside Chinese actor Cheng Yi and Chinese actress Gulnazar Bextiyar. The Journey Of Legend wrapped up filming in October 2024. While its official premiere date has yet to be announced, netizens are speculating that the airing of the drama may be affected by the hubbub.
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
‘Most Chinese nationals are idiots': Singapore actress Eleanor Lee faces cancel calls in China over leaked rant
SINGAPORE, May 10 — Singapore-born actress Eleanor Lee is in hot water with Chinese netizens after a leaked audio clip sparked fury on social media platform RedNote. The 25-year-old star, daughter of Singaporean TV host Quan Yifeng, has reportedly been dropped from the cast of upcoming Chinese period drama The Journey of Legend amid claims that she was the voice behind a controversial clip that's been making the rounds online. According to The Straits Times (ST), trouble began when a 31-second audio recording was uploaded to RedNote by someone claiming to be Lee's ex-assistant. In the clip, a woman — alleged to be Lee — can be heard venting frustrations about her career and public reception in China. 'All that matters is that there are movies to be filmed and money to be made. What else can I do?' the speaker says. 'When it is over, I still get criticised, just because most Chinese nationals are idiots.' The comment lit a firestorm online. Furious netizens quickly accused Lee of insulting China, with some demanding her removal from the entertainment industry entirely. 'Can't stand this one bit. The platform still wants to broadcast [her drama]? That's really bold,' one RedNote user fumed. 'Protect our country's prestige and resist humiliating Chinese dramas,' said another. 'Who is this woman? She is so arrogant,' a third wrote, echoing the anger rippling across Chinese social media. While some are calling for Lee to pack her bags and leave China, others are pushing for an explanation. Lee's agency, China Artiste Management, told ST that it is 'looking into the matter' and promised to provide an update within two days. The production team behind The Journey of Legend has yet to confirm its premiere date, and it remains unclear whether Lee's alleged removal will be addressed publicly. Lee, who moved to China in 2016 and studied at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, first rose to fame at age 16 after starring in a hit Apple commercial that kickstarted her acting career in the Chinese market.
