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| Carol Cheng’s Quiet Noodle Stop in Chongqing Turns Awkward After Owner Shares Footage Without Permission |
Carol Cheng Yu Ling’s peaceful bowl of noodles in Chongqing took an unexpected turn after she was secretly filmed and photographed without her consent — and netizens aren’t happy about it either.
The 67-year-old Hong Kong actress and beloved TV host, also known as Do Do Cheng, was reportedly dining at a casual noodle shop in Chongqing, China, when she noticed someone repeatedly recording her.
At first, it was a fellow customer discreetly snapping pictures and videos, but to make things worse, the restaurant owner themselves later posted a video of Carol Cheng’s visit to Xiaohongshu — a popular Chinese lifestyle platform — seemingly to promote their business.
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While the short clip was perhaps intended as a light-hearted or promotional moment, the backlash came fast. Carol Cheng, visibly uncomfortable in the footage, was seen telling her friend that someone “kept recording” her, making her feel uneasy while simply trying to enjoy a quiet meal.
Netizens quickly jumped in to defend her, slamming the restaurant for a clear lack of respect.
“She’s a public figure, not public property,” one user wrote.
“At the very least, ask first. It’s not that hard,” said another.
Many commenters pointed out that regardless of fame, basic privacy should still apply, especially when someone is off-duty and not attending a public event. Some even criticised the video’s poor quality, arguing it added insult to injury.
This incident has reignited discussion around celebrity privacy in China — particularly the blurry line between public curiosity and intrusive behaviour. Social media, while powerful for business, can also become a weapon when personal boundaries are ignored.
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In this case, what could’ve been a wholesome “celebrity spotted” moment ended up highlighting something more serious: that even veterans like Carol Cheng, who’s been in the spotlight for decades, still can’t escape unwanted attention in everyday situations.
Hopefully, this serves as a reminder — whether you’re a business owner, influencer, or regular customer — that a simple “Is it alright if I take a photo?” still goes a long way.