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Edison Chen's return: He has returned to HK and held a press conference 21 Feb 2008.

I think this will help to bring the scandal to a closure, but the consequences will be far-retching and long-term.

I'll keep you updated of any further developments.

Just how in the world did something like this happen? You would think that Edison Chen would be more careful with such sensitive photos.

Edison Chen stored all his sex photos in a pink Apple notebook he lovingly called his Cotton Candy Mac.

It turns out that when Edison Chen brought his notebook back to the computer store eLite Multimedia for repairs on 6 Nov 2006, the technicians stumbled upon the photos.

They then did what any normal person would do: make copies for themselves.

As a result, when the scandal first broke, a number of suspects were arrested and charged with leaking or spreading the photos. In all, 9 suspects have been rounded up and 3 formally charged in court. However, these are all related to secondary distribution of the photos.

So who's the real mastermind?

There is a delay of about 15 months between the time the computer was repaired and the first photo leak. So this led to speculation about prior extortion attempts.

The perpetrator, apparently named "Kira", then decided to up the ante by releasing the photos in batches starting 27 Jan 2008.

Born in 1980, Edison Chen is a Canadian-born Chinese, who became famous in Hong Kong for his attractive boyish looks, and cool factor, referring to himself as "edc" on his blog.

Edison Chen was formerly an artiste under the influential Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG). EEG is run by Albert Yeung, who was known to have links with the Hong Kong triads.

In 2007, Edison Chen broke away and set up his own multi-media company Clot Media Division. This is reflected in his signature "C" hand-sign.

But he obviously had fond memories of his time at EEG: All the girls involved in the scandal are with EEG.

When the scandal broke in late Jan 2008, he immediately took flight to Canada and USA, where he reunited with his girlfriend Vincy Yeung.

He was heavily criticised for not being present in Hong Kong to assist with police investigations. His godfather, actor Anthony Wong, said on 11 Feb that Edison Chen will return to Hong Kong by 15 Feb 2008. This was confirmed by Edison Chen's manager, Ms Leung of East Asia Music.

On 14 Feb 2008, his return was delayed (no surprise there) to 17 Feb instead. He will head directly to the police HQ to have his statement taken.

The latest news is that Edison Chen will not be returning to HK on 17 Feb 2008 after all.

Whether it's because he's avoiding the triads or lack of a suitable location for a press conference is still unclear.

Today I have come back to Hong Kong to stand before you and account for myself.

I have never escaped from my responsibility. During the past few weeks, I have been with my mother and my family and my loved ones to show support and care and at the same time to have them support and care for me.

I admit that most of the photos being circulated on the Internet were taken by me. But these photos are very private and have not been shown to people and are never intended to be shown to anyone. These photos were stolen from me illegally and distributed without my consent.

There is no doubt whoever obtained these photos have them uploaded on the Internet with malicious and deliberate intent. This matter has deteriorated to the extent that society as a whole has been affected by this.

In this regard, I am deeply saddened. I would like now to apologize to all the people for all the suffering that has been caused and the problems that have arisen from this. I would like to apologize to all the ladies and to all their families for any harm or hurt that they have been feeling. I am sorry. I would like to also apologize to my mother and my father for the pain and suffering I have caused them during the past few weeks.

Most importantly, I would like to say sorry to all the people of Hong Kong. I give my apology sincerely to you all, unreservedly and with my heart.

I know young people in Hong Kong look up to many figures in our society. And in this regard, I have failed. I failed as a role model. However, I wish this matter will teach everyone a lesson. To all the young people in our community, let this be a lesson for you all. This is not an example to be set for you.

During my time away, I have made an important decision. I will whole-heartedly fulfil all commitments that I have to date. But after that, I decided to step away from the Hong Kong entertainment industry. I have decided to do this to give myself an opportunity to heal myself and to search my soul. I will dedicate my time to charity and community work within the next few months. I will be away from Hong Kong entertainment industry indefinitely. There is no time frame.

I have been assisting the police since the first day the photos were published and I will continue to assist them. After this press con., I have obligation to help them with their investigation and hope that this case can end soon as everyone I think has the same wish.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the police for their hard work on this case. Thank you. I believe everyone's priority now (and) my priority now is to stop the suffering and pain, for not letting this...we do not want to let this situation become more out of control.

We need to protect all the innocents and all the young from matters like this. In this regard, I have instructed my lawyers to do everything possible within the law to protect all the innocents, victims of this case. I believe that a press statement is being issued as we speak on what my lawyers have advised me to do.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for coming here today and listening to what I have to say. I would like to also apologize once again to all the ladies and their families, my family and to everyone in Hong Kong and everyone in our society. I am deeply saddened by this. And I apologize to everyone (who) has to go through this. I would like to also thank you for giving me this opportunity to say what I have wanted to say all along in my heart.

I hope, after today, I can have your forgiveness. With regard to this case, with everything, everything that has happened, I am deeply sorry. I hope you all accept my apology and give me a chance.

Thank you.

The chart below shows all the girls that Edison Chen have been involved with in the past 7 years.

Click here for the full-sized version.

There is an even more elaborate chart including the girls that were rumoured to be involved with Edison Chen, and even second-degree connections. Check it out here, it's quite staggering. He is quite the player.

Could it be his boyish attractive looks or fame and fortune? Or maybe this is the real secret of his success.

So far, 7 girls have been implicated in the scandal. Of them, Gillian Chung and Cecilia Cheung are the two most prominent stars.

Gillian Chung is a singer and actress under EEG. Together with Charlene Choi, she is half of the popular singing duo Twins.

This is not the first time Gillian Chung was embroiled in a naked photo scandal.

On 22 Aug 2006, Hong Kong magazine Easy Finder published naked photos of Chung inside a changing room after a Twins concert in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, by rigging the place with secret cameras.

Gillian Chung is one of the 3 victims featured in the initial photo release on 27 Jan 2008. The damage to her career is especially severe because of her sweetie pie and innocent image.

It didn't help that she was a spokesperson against pre-marital sex at the time the photos were taken.

Initially, her management company EEG denounced the photos as fakes, and even reported the matter to the police. But further photo leaks put that denial to rest. Gillian Chung vanished from public sight for more than two weeks, amidst disturbing rumours of 2 suicide atttempts.

Finally on 11 Feb 2008, Gillian Chung held a brief 1-minute conference in which she didn't accept any questions. In her speech, she didn't directly admit she was the person in the photos but apologised to her fans and company for being "young and naive".

The next day on 12 Feb 2008, Gillian Chung headed back to work at the recording studios. Nothing like work to take your mind off a sex scandal, my granny always says. Or perhaps it was the impatient sponsors talking.

Cecilia Cheung is an A-list Hong Kong actress and singer.

She has previously won the Best Newcomer Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Fly Me to Polaris (1999), , and went one step better with a Best Actress win at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Lost in Time (2003).

She is the wife of Nicholas Tse, thus the daughter-in-law of Patrick Tse and Deborah Li. Patrick Tse and Deborah Li are influential figures in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

Cecilia Cheung's father is also well-known to have Hong Kong triad connections.

So Cecilia Cheung married well.. but can she stay married?

When the scandal first broke, Nicholas Tse was said to have laughed the matter off as fakes. But now that the photos appear authentic, there are rumblings of a divorce.

Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse got back together in early 2006 after they broke up in 2002. They then announced their marriage in Sep 2006.

Unfortunately Cecilia's photos appear to be taken between 2005 and 2006.

Which means Cecilia was screwing Edison Chen behind Nicholas Tse's back.

Nicholas Tse was upset not over the photos, but the fact Cecilia Cheung was involved with Edison while dating him.

What took the cake was that Edison Chen and Nicholas Tse were good pals back at Hong Kong International School in Vancouver, Canada.

If the marriage holds, it's because she and Nicholas already have a son, Lucas. It's also rumoured that Cecilia Cheung is currently expecting a second child.

Then again, Nicholas must be having doubts over who the real father is.

Nicholas Tse was photographed without his wedding ring on 9 Feb 2008. Singapore tabloids reported that he had flung his ring on the floor in anger. Cecilia Cheung picked up the ring and kneeled down to beg for his forgiveness.

But I guess that's not enough to appease his anger. By 12 Feb 2008, the news was that the golden couple had signed a separation agreement and moved out of their marital home. Others say they are still together and are simply avoiding the press.

Cecilia Cheung has resumed work on 16 Feb 2008, the 2nd celebrity to do so after Gillian Chung. Ironically it is to film a commercial for a feminine hygiene product.

Bobo is also a Hong Kong singer and actress, but is a relative unknown compared to Gillian Chung and Cecilia Cheung.

She has been slowly withdrawing from the entertainment circle in preparation for her wedding to a rich boyfriend Philip Jin.

Which was of course rudely interrupted by the scandal.

Bobo Chan's photos are the most salacious, consisting mostly of her performing fellatio (blowjob) on Edison Chen with obvious skill and enthusiasm.

Which respectable family would want such a daughter-in-law?

Word has gone out that the groom's mother has ordered her son to dump the tearful bride.

Bobo Chan has reportedly fled the country. I can understand why, she needs to find a non-Chinese rich boyfriend.

Rachel Ngan is a Hong Kong model who also acts in various drama serials and movies.

Unless you follow the Hong Kong entertainment scene, you would not have heard of her before.

Rachel Ngan has one of the fewest photos leaked, just over 10 photos compared to 100+ for some of the other victims. Most of them don't show her face clearly, but the perpetrator sneaked in one full facial shot. Oops.

One of her photos also showed Edison Chen in a mirror reflection, holding up a digital camcorder. This is the only photo capturing Edison Chen in the act of recording.

After a lull of 5 days, two new photos of Rachel Ngan were released on 14 Feb 2008. You can find the links below.

Rachel Ngan is under the fold of Dreamodels Workshop, and oh yes, she's available for special booking.

Candice Chan is a Hong Kong actress, appearing in various drama serials.

But she's unknown outside of Hong Kong. Until now, of course.

Candice Chan appeared to be somewhat shy and awkward in her nude photos, only appearing to relax when her face is flushed with alcohol.

Somehow I do sympathise with her, probably she was overwhelmed by the attention of a famous actor like Edison Chen and agreed reluctantly to be photographed.

Mandy Chen met Edison Chen (not related) when he was judging at a 2001 beauty contest she was competing in. She didn't place in the finals but won a subsidiary award for Miss Popular (by Internet voting).

Obviously judges have a lot of perks, where can I apply?

Mandy Chen's photos are a bit unusual because unlike the others, they are photo still captures from a video, where she was seen performing a strip tease and masturbating with a dildo.

Mandy Chen has scored minor roles in a few movies but it looks like her future career lies in Category III softporn movies.

According to a friendship web site, Mandy Chen is already married.

Vincy Yeung is the beloved 19-year old niece of EEG supremo Albert Yeung.

She's not even a celebrity, which makes a decent photo of her hard to find.

Edison Chen has been dating her since 2004 and publicly announced their relationship in 2006. Before this, there were hints in his blog of a special someone called "V".

This means that many of the scandalous photos were taken after their relationship started. People also question whether she was below 16 at the time.

One of the most shocking developments was when 3 nude photos of Vincy Yeung in the shower were leaked onto the Internet on 9 Feb 2008.

Edison, didn't anyone tell you not to offend your boss? Especially when he has triad connections. Many people in the past have been beaten up for daring to cross Albert Yeung or the stars under him, including comedian Eric Tsang.

Vincy was said to be devastated when her photos came out, and some newspapers reported that both Vincy and Edison were in a highly distressed state and even contemplated suicide.

They have been seeking refuge and privacy in the USA, but Edison Chen is expected to return to Hong Kong first.

13 Feb 2008
A fan even analysed the two press releases so far, and he's obviously a Gillian Chung fan.

Approach

Edison: His lawyers distributed a pre-taped video clip, 1:23 minutes in length.

Gillian: Personally making a statement to +100 reporters. Her statement length was approximately 2 minutes long.

Appearance
Edison: Lame t-shirt. Didn't really pay attention to his hair. It created a drab and dreary feeling.

Gillian: Long straight hair which is a different hairstyle which appeared in the pictures. It was to prevent association with the pictures.

Emotion
Edison: Black eyes and unshaven. Unsuccessful businessman look.

Gillina: She had makeup on and was smiling to people. She seem to be in high spirits.

Speech
Edison: English script. Emotionless like reading from a book.

Gillian: Used Cantonese and emotionally expressive.

Location
Edison: A dimly lit room. A grey-white background which makes the location mysterious.

Gillian: At the hotel/restaurant where her fans gathering were held. The location was bright and open. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

Edison Chen

6 Feb 2008: Will probably be edited out of Stephen Chow's upcoming movie Jump. Release date of movie pushed back from 1 May to 1 Oct to allow time for scandal to die down.

10 Feb 2008: Manhattan Titanium credit card company pulls the plug on Edison Chen's advertising contract. Total potential loss in income estimated at HK$10 million a year.

13 Feb 2008: Role in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight will also be reviewed.

Gillian Chung

10 Feb 2008: Twins withdrawn from promotional video for Hong Kong Disneyland. Disneyland explained that it was a one-off arrangement with Twins, and that their honorary spokesperson has always been Jacky Cheung. It's apparently their policy to continually change the video to keep it fresh. Yeah, right.

Rumour 1: There is a Maggie Q video and nude photos. Joey Yung and Jolin Tsai were also implicated.
False: There were photos of Maggie Q, but they are photos from a promotional shoot for Clot Inc products. The Joey Yung photo was a Photoshop job, and the Jolin Tsai photos were of a wannabe fan.

Rumour 2: In a Gillian Chung video, Edison Chen is overheard asking her who's better in bed: him, Big Brother (Jackie Chan) or the boss (Albert Yeung).
Unknown: This would be fantastically juicy if true. Not implausible as Jackie Chan is known to get cosy with his female co-stars. Of course, Edison Chen could simply be making a joke.

Rumour 3: "Kira" has been paid HK$10 million after his release of the Vincy Yeung photos on 9 Feb 2008, and has ridden off into the sunset. That was why Gillian Chung appeared so relaxed at the press conference, because she knew the matter has been closed.
False: I could almost believe it after 4 days of peace and quiet, but two new photos of Rachel Ngan were posted on 14 Feb 2008.

Rumour 4: Kira is waiting for Edison's return to Hong Kong before releasing more photos to humiliate him.
Probably true: I can't think of a better time to leak new photos, we'll find out soon enough.

Rumour 5: Sudden Weekly tabloid (link in Cantonese) reported on 15 Feb 2008 that it was Edison Chen's father's money woes that got his son into trouble. Apparently the photos have been in circulation among a group of celebrity insiders for a while before they got into the hands of senior Chen's creditors. The photos were then leaked to force him to pay up.
Unknown: Edison once bragged he is worth HK$80 million. He is known to earn up to HK$10 million a year in endorsements. He should be able to repay any of his father's debts, unless of course, these income figures are hugely inflated.

Rumour 6: Since we're talking about Edison Chen's father, there's been a rumour since Feb 2006 that he's actually gay. He was photographed having suntan lotion applied on him by a muscular young man at a Bangkok hotel swimming pool.
Probably true: The photos look authentic and there were no denials by Edison Chen nor his father.

14 Feb 2008: MSNBC also joined in the action, giving a summary of the events and fallout. Looks like America is slowly becoming aware of this "incident".

15 Feb 2008: The main Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is the latest international newspaper to catch onto this scandal, dubbing it "Sexy Photo Gate". *yawn* - can't they think of something more original? Nothing new to report here, but this is slowly spreading beyond Asia.

Edison Chen brand sausage and Gillian Chung abalone!
7 Feb 2008: The scandal has been spoofed by people who have too much time on their hands. Get your Edison Chen brand sausage and Gillian Chung abalone, just in time for Chinese New Year.

Some fans were heard shouting "black abalone!" in Cantonese during the fan session before the press conference on 11 Feb 2008.

It's sold on the TV shopping channel by Edison Bin Laden.

Edison Chen brand of dildos!
14 Feb 2008: On Valentine's Day, it was reported that enterprising merchants are planning to register "Guan Xi" and "Ah Jiao" (Edison Chen's Chinese name and Gillian Chung's nickname, respectively) as trademarks for adult novelty toys. (source: Sing Tso Daily - link in Chinese)