Eleanor Lee (Li Kaixin), a 25-year-old Singaporean actress based in China, is under fire after leaked recordings allegedly captured her making derogatory comments about Mainland Chinese people. In the audio, leaked by someone claiming to be her former assistant, a woman believed to be Eleanor is heard saying, “Most Chinese nationals are idiots” and that she’s not working to be famous—just to earn money.
‘The Journey of Legend’ Removes Eleanor from Promos
This controversy flared up just as The Journey of Legend, a new drama starring Cheng Yi and featuring Eleanor as second female lead Tang Fang, was rumored to premiere this May—possibly head-to-head with Xiao Zhan’s Legend of Zang Hai. Although Eleanor was previously tagged in official posts, her name is now missing from the latest promotional material. The show itself is also being criticized for not acting sooner. The recordings reportedly surfaced back in April and only making headlines now.
Eleanor Responds with Apology and Denial
On May 10, Eleanor Lee, born in Taipei and holding Singaporean citizenship, addressed the scandal. She wrote: “I am sorry that the things about me have caused such a big controversy and occupied public resources. I was extremely shocked when I heard the recording. Those are absolutely not my words. I was born in China and returned to China at the age of 16. I am 26 years old this year. Spent nearly half of my life in China. I have received many opportunities and help here, to shine in the career I adore. I love and feel grateful for this land. My stance on China has never wavered.”
She explained that her team did not respond immediately because they were sorting through the facts. She pledged to prove her sincerity through her future actions. “I welcome everyone to hold me accountable going forward. I sincerely apologize for the controversy and for taking up public attention online.”
Her studio issued a separate statement calling the audio clip fake and defamatory. They assert that Eleanor has always respected Chinese culture and contributed to Chinese film and television. Legal action was threatened against those spreading misinformation.
Public Sentiment and Drama’s Future in Limbo
Despite the denials, Eleanor Lee is trending for all the wrong reasons, with tags like “Li Kaixin major fan leaves fandom”. Many Chinese netizens remain unconvinced and are calling for her cancellation, branding her as insulting China. However, some also suggested that the recording could’ve been AI.
Eleanor Lee’s role in The Journey of Legend—second to lead actress Gülnezer Bextiyar—was expected to boost her career. But now, the drama’s release may be in jeopardy. It was noticeably absent from May’s streaming lineup, fueling speculation that her scenes may have to be edited out before the show can air.
Photos: Li Kai Xin Eleanor Studio
flappy bird
This article highlights the complexities of public sentiment and how easily misunderstandings can spiral out of control. Eleanor’s response shows that communication and transparency are vital in such situations. It’s interesting how this reminds me of the challenges in gaming. For instance, I recall the frustration of trying to master Flappy Bird—every wrong move felt amplified! Just as players learn from their mistakes, I hope Eleanor can navigate this situation effectively and come back stronger. Let’s remember the importance of understanding and supporting one another!
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