World-renowned actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai was unexpectedly ensnared in adultery and pregnancy rumors with former WJSN member, Cheng Xiao. After similar baseless news targeted the celebrity couple Gu Jun Yeop and Xu Xiwen, the wave of fabricated stories from China is escalating beyond absurdity to the point of discomfort.
On August 12, the Chinese entertainment outlet Sina Entertainment reported, "Rumors have emerged about an affair between Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Cheng Xiao. There are even whispers that a child has been born between them." It's worth noting the age difference between them: Tony Leung Chiu-wai was born in 1962, making him 36 years older than Cheng Xiao, who was born in 1998.
Responding to the situation, Cheng Xiao's Chinese agency commented, "This is a baseless rumor. There's no need to pay any attention to it. We hope everyone can stay positive and happy," hinting at potential legal action. Tony Leung, who married Chinese actress Carina Lau in 2008, has not made any separate statements.
Both Tony Leung and Cheng Xiao are actively working, and while the reports are damaging to both sides, no substantial evidence or basis has been provided. Both local and international fans are putting weight on the possibility that this is yet another piece of fake news from China. It's disheartening to see that over the past few years, prominent celebrities from the Chinese-speaking world and other Asian stars have suffered severe damage due to these fabricated stories.
Taiwan's top actor Xu Xiwen and her husband, Gu Jun Yeop, who overcame two decades to marry, are also victims of this trend of fake news.
Recently, Gu Jun Yeop appeared on the MBC entertainment program 'Radio Star' and said, "We (Xu Xiwen and I) are happily married, but there are people out there spreading malicious rumors. They say I married her because I'm broke, she stole money and fled to Seoul, and even that we're already divorced and she's going back to her ex-husband. There are also drug-related rumors and many other absurd claims." He expressed frustration at the outlandish false stories.
He also showed a composed attitude, saying, "These fake news stories will eventually disappear because we're patient," but his distress was palpable.
Fake news can destroy an individual's spirit. The production and consumption of false stories, especially without any factual verification, must be eradicated promptly.
