Gillian Chung apologizes for nude photos -- china.org.cn

Gillian Chung, one of several prominent Hong Kong stars caught up in a nude photo scandal, Monday apologized for the incident that has sparked arrests and a media frenzy.

Hong Kong female pop duo Twins attend the press conference Monday, Feb 11 after a New Year's Party with their fans. Gillian Chung (L) apologizes in her first public comments for the incident that has sparked arrests and a media frenzy. [Photo: TUNGSTAR]

Chung, 27, previously known for her squeaky-clean image, made her eagerly awaited statement before a mass of reporters and video cameras flanked by Charlene Choi, her singing partner in the female pop duo Twins.

"I admit that I was naive and very silly, but I've grown up now," Chung said, without explicitly saying she was in the photos.

"I want to thank my company, family and friends for their concern," she said in her first public comments since the nude images trickled onto the Internet a fortnight ago.

The photographs, which appear to show Chung naked in bed with male star Edison Chen, and suggestive images purportedly of around half a dozen other celebrities, including actress Cecilia Cheung, were recently posted online, provoking blanket tabloid coverage in celebrity-mad Hong Kong.

Edison Chen, 27, apologized last week in a video statement, and called the postings of the photographs "intentionally hurtful and malicious."

The scandal, which involved several local celebrities, has dominated Hong Kong headlines in the past two weeks. Other nude photos involved actress Cecilia Cheung and five other women.

Gillian Chung (R) puts on natural performance on the party Monday, Feb 11, seemingly not affected by the nude photo incident that has sparked arrests and a media frenzy. [Photo: TUNGSTAR]

Chung's management company, Emperor Entertainment Group, said Monday it would not comment on the photos again. It earlier said the photos had been digitally altered.

Last week, Hong Kong police said officers had found the source of the photos, seizing more than 1,300 obscene pictures involving six women. A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case.

Chen, who reportedly left Hong Kong soon after the photos were leaked, also apologized in a video statement last week. He urged the public to delete the photos and not to forward them.

A police investigation has so far led to eight arrests for infringement of obscene material laws, and the seizure of more than 1,000 images.

"As for the influence this incident has had on society, I apologize. In the coming days I will continue to focus on my work and face up to my life," Chung added, amid cheers.

(Shanghai Daily February 12, 2008)