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| “Didn’t Know His Background”: Eric Tsang & Kenny Bee Clarify Viral Pic with Namewee |
Both Hong Kong veterans issue formal apologies, say it was an honest mistake.
Hong Kong entertainment legends Eric Tsang and Kenny Bee have found themselves caught in an unexpected media frenzy after a photo of them with controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee a.k.a Wee Meng Chee went viral across Chinese social platforms.
The photo, which was originally posted by Namewee himself, sparked intense backlash from netizens, prompting both actors to release public statements to clear the air.
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The snap was taken during a recent event in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, where Eric and Kenny were performing.
As is common in backstage meet-and-greet culture, Namewee joined in to wish the pair good luck and asked for a photo. The seemingly harmless pic soon exploded online, largely due to Namewee’s past run-ins with Chinese authorities and his reputation for making satirical music that some have labelled "provocative."
🚫 The Backlash and the Clarification
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Once the image made rounds online, both actors quickly moved to distance themselves from any perceived political statement. Kenny Bee, in his statement, explained that there was no intention to offend anyone and stressed it was simply a courteous photo with someone he didn’t know much about.
Meanwhile, Eric Tsang took a more direct tone, saying that as a Chinese national, he’s always respected the sentiments of the public and the dignity of the country. “It was purely out of politeness. Had I known his background, I would’ve stayed away,” he stated, calling it an “unintentional mistake.”
Both stressed that the photo should not be interpreted as support or endorsement of Namewee’s past actions or views.
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| Hong Kong Legends Eric Tsang & Kenny Bee Respond to China Backlash After Viral Namewee Photo |
🎤 Who Is Namewee Again?
Namewee, born Wee Meng Chee, is no stranger to controversy. In 2021, his Mandarin-language satirical track “Fragile”, a duet with Taiwan-based Australian singer Kimberley Chen, was banned across Chinese platforms. The song was styled like a sugary ballad but laced with lyrics poking fun at hypersensitivity online – and it didn’t go down well with certain audiences.
Following the resurfacing of this new controversy, Namewee cheekily used the moment to promote his new song titled “Letter of Apology” on his official Facebook – a satirical move that only further stirred the pot.
ICYMI: Namewee Prank Scandal
🧐 Why All the Fuss?
In the current climate of ultra-sensitivity around anything that could be seen as politically charged, even casual interactions are closely scrutinised. For veteran actors like Tsang and Bee – both with decades-long careers and longstanding ties with the mainland industry – a momentary photo can snowball into full-blown reputational risk.
It’s also not lost on netizens that Namewee himself posted the photo, seemingly knowing the stir it might cause. Whether intentional or not, the ripple effect landed squarely on the shoulders of the two unassuming celebrities.
🧊 TL;DR
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Eric Tsang & Kenny Bee posed for a photo with Malaysian rapper Namewee during an event in Malaysia.
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Namewee shared the photo online, sparking backlash from Chinese netizens due to his past controversies.
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Both actors apologised and clarified that the photo was taken out of courtesy and does not reflect any political stance.
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Eric said he would’ve avoided Namewee had he known his background.
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Meanwhile, Namewee has cheekily dropped a new satirical track titled “Letter of Apology”, seemingly timed with the uproar.