Popular actor and singer Edison Chen apologized on Monday after images appearing to show the Hong Kong star partially nude in the company of several starlets leaked onto the Internet.

In a video statement Chen, 27, called the postings of the photographs "intentionally hurtful and malicious."

Edison Chen apologized on Monday via a video after images appearing to show the Hong Kong star partially nude in the company of several starlets leaked onto the Internet. (photo: Tungstar/ent.mop.com)

"I hereby use this opportunity to apologize to anyone who has been affected by this strange, strange ordeal," Chen said.

Police believe the images were copied from Chen's computer when it was serviced last year.

"If you ever downloaded any of these images, please do not forward them to anyone ... If you are still in possession of these images, I urge you to please destroy them immediately," a subdued-looking Chen added in the video.

(Agencies via CRI February 5, 2008)