• In January of 2008, sexually explicit photos from a computer belonging to Canadian-born actor and singer Edison Chen surfaced on the Internet, igniting a major scandal in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, where Chen has been considered a pop icon.ABC News: Sex Photos Stir Tempest in Hong Kong (February 25, 2008)

  In February of 2009, Chen testified against one of those accused of leaking the photos, a computer technician named Sze Ho Chun. Although the trial was conducted in Hong Kong, Chen testified remotely from Canada.The Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009) Ho Chun was found guilty of copying the photos from Chen's laptop and distributing them in April 2009. He was sentenced to jail.CNN: Exclusive interview: Edison Chen breaks his silence (June 1, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Owner of fashion and entertainment company, CLOT
  2. Pictures began appearing online January 28, 2008
  3. Files reportedly stolen from Chen's pink Apple laptop computerABC News: Sex Photos Stir Tempest in Hong Kong (February 25, 2008)
  4. Chen fired, because of scandal, from upcoming Stephen Chow movie, Jump
  5. Marriage of Cecelia Cheung rumored to be "on the rocks"
  6. Wedding of Bobo Chan reportedly canceled
  7. Chen has claimed copyright on the photos
  8. Testified against suspected photo thieves February, 2009The Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009)
  9. About 1300 photos stolenThe Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009)
  10. Chun found guilty and sentenced to jail in April 2009CNN: Exclusive interview: Edison Chen breaks his silence (June 1, 2009)

• The Scandal

  Approximately 1300 photos were allegedly stolen by technicians when Chen brought the computer in for repairs, with an undetermined number showing Chen having sex with at least six popular actresses, singers, and models, including Bobo Chan, Candace Chan, Mandy Chen, Cecilia Cheung, Gillian Chung, and Rachel Ngan.

  Mr. Chen had originally claimed that the photos were faked, but a subsequent analysis belied the claim. He then admitted to taking the photos, and held a press conference on February 21, where he said that he was ashamed, and was leaving show business indefinitely, to "heal" himself.Reuters: Hong Kong's Edison Chen quits after sex scandal (February 21, 2008)

• Repercussions

  The firestorm of controversy over the scandal did not, however, abate in the wake of Chen's apology, due to the damage the photos have done to the careers and personal lives of the female celebrities involved. Threats of reprisals have allegedly circulated, from the celebrities' handlers and other interested business parties and relatives, some of whom are allegedly tied to organized crime.

  Following his apology, Chen reportedly attended a rehab center in Utah, for "sex addiction," but left after being assaulted by several men in the parking lot. He allegedly proposed to his girlfriend, Vincy Yeung -- who appeared in several explicit pictures -- in order to ward off physical threats by Yeung's uncle, an alleged member of the Triad syndicate. Chen is currently residing in various locations in the U.S. and Canada.ABC News: Sex Photos Stir Tempest in Hong Kong (February 25, 2008)The Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009)

• Lawsuit and Trial

  Criminal charges were filed against the technicians who allegedly stole the photos from Chen's computer, with at least 10 arrests having been made by Hong Kong police. The trial of one of them, Sze Ho Chun, was conducted in Hong Kong in February, 2009. Chen testified remotely from Canada during the trial.The Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009)

  Ho Chun pleaded not guilty to copying the photos from Chen's laptop at the Kowloon City Court on April 9, 2009.BBC: Film star sex photos trial begins (April 9, 2009)

• Quotes

  "A Hong Kong computer technician appeared in court today accused of stealing Edison Chen's sex photos when the star's computer went in for repair." - Batgwa.com

  "Many are placing their bets that Chen will be killed for disgracing so many careers literally overnight — and these multimillion-dollar workhorses for major movie studios in Hong Kong. Rumor has it that Edison Chen leaked the photos himself as part of an elaborate game to increase his international fame." - AsianWeek.com

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Edison Chen | Edison Chen Sex Scandal | Gillian Chung | Vincy Yeung | Hong Kong

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