Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung appeared in the High Court today to continue her testimony in a legal dispute with former manager Yu Yuk-hing and AEG Entertainment Group Limited. The plaintiffs allege that Cheung breached both her management and film contracts. They claim she received an advance of over HK$41 million (US$5 million) to appear in a number of films and failed to do so.
Dressed in black with sunglasses and a mask, Cheung arrived at the courthouse this morning, accompanied by her assistant. She appeared calmer than the previous day when she had a breakdown during the trial. She said that she’s being pressured and hadn’t slept in two days and that none of it was true. The judge reminded her that repeated questions are standard legal practice and not intended to offend.
In the recent hearing, emails between Cheung’s assistant Emily Chow and Yu Yuk-hing’s team were presented in court. Emily said that if there are no suitable films, Cecilia Cheung would rather extend her contract. She wants to avoid being the “queen of bad movies.” Cheung said she had no knowledge of these email details and suggested the plaintiffs direct questions to her assistant.
The 45-year-old actress explained she considers director, script, cast, and story before accepting a role. She said two of the films mentioned in court never materialized, and denies that she had refused to film. When asked if the movie she had filmed was a box office flop, Cecilia Cheung said: “What is considered a box office failure?” She also challenged, “Why ask the media if it’s good or bad, my mom thinks it’s great! Are the media your relatives?” She expressed that questions were provocative and difficult to answer.
While Cecilia Cheung initially disagreed with the plaintiff claims that they couldn’t force her to take on a role, she eventually agreed. She clarified that they had a long term contract to find a suitable script. She also denies that Yu was unable to find her and says it’s the latter who disappeared. The actress testified for about two and a half days in the ongoing trial.
Source: 1
