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| Hong Kong Actress Chrissie Chau Denies “False Hype” Claims in Legal Clash With Business Heir (Photo: Yahoo HK) |
Hong Kong’s entertainment and business circles collided this week after Chrissie Chau Sau-na publicly denied any connection to Martin Lee Ka-shing, following news that the businessman has filed a defamation and harassment lawsuit against her at the Hong Kong High Court. The dispute centres on long-running romance rumours that both sides now firmly reject — but each blames the other for fuelling.
According to local reports, Martin Lee — son of the late property mogul Lee Shau-kee of Henderson Land and husband of actress Cathy Chui — claims Chau made suggestive remarks during film promotions that reignited speculation linking her to a married wealthy heir.
In his statement, he stressed that he does not know Chrissie Chau and has never had any form of relationship with her, adding that he intends to protect both his personal reputation and his family’s name through legal means.
The businessman reportedly alleged that as far back as 2016, comments made during one of Chrissie Chau’s movie promotions led to sensational headlines connecting the two.
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He further claimed that in June 2025, while promoting a new film, she revisited so-called “kept-woman” rumours, which then triggered renewed online discussions and videos speculating about him.
He also took legal action against five social media channels, stating that he hopes to curb what he described as a growing culture of online harassment.
On the same evening the lawsuit was reported, Chrissie Chau issued a firm and detailed response on social media. She said she was “surprised and deeply aggrieved” by the legal move, adding that she has “never known Mr Lee and never had any form of relationship with him.”
Chrissie Chau clarified that the only time she publicly addressed the rumours was during an interview last June, where she explicitly denied any connection and made it clear she did not know him.
She also rejected accusations that she fabricated controversy to gain publicity, stating she felt wronged by claims that she engaged in “false news hype” to promote her projects.
“I believe the truth will ultimately prevail,” she wrote, while also expressing strong opposition to fabricated reporting and online bullying. She revealed that she has entrusted her lawyers to handle the matter moving forward.
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Industry observers note that the case has quickly become one of the most talked-about legal clashes between celebrity and tycoon in recent years.
The added sensitivity surrounding the passing of Lee Shau-kee earlier this year has only intensified public scrutiny, with both sides stressing emotional strain and reputational harm.
Online reactions have been sharply divided.
Some netizens are backing Martin Lee, arguing that high-profile figures should be cautious about how comments made during promotions can be interpreted. They believe legal action is a way to formally settle years of speculation and draw a clear line against damaging rumours.
Others are standing by Chrissie Chau, pointing out that she has consistently denied any relationship and questioning whether interview snippets were taken out of context.
Supporters argue that actresses are often unfairly targeted by gossip culture and that long-running rumours can spiral beyond anyone’s control.
There is also a neutral camp calling for patience, suggesting that the courts — rather than online debates — should determine responsibility. Many have expressed hope that the situation will clarify once and for all who, if anyone, truly ignited the controversy.
What do you think about this unfolding dispute? Is this a necessary legal step to end long-standing rumours, or another example of how gossip culture spirals out of control?