Woman calls Chinese nationals 'idiots' in audio clip, Weibo users say she's S'pore actress Eleanor Lee

Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee, 25, daughter of Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, has been accused of insulting Chinese nationals in an audio clip.

In the audio clip, which has gone viral on Chinese social media Weibo, a woman could be heard saying in Mandarin, "[...] because most Chinese nationals are idiots, most of them are," amongst other things.

However, it is noteworthy that the publisher of the audio clip did not produce any evidence to prove that the person speaking was indeed Lee.

Additionally, the publisher did not provide further context for the recording.

Details of the audio clip

The audio clip circulating on Weibo appeared to be an abridged version of a longer recording.

The full transcript of the audio, translated from Mandarin, is as follows:

"There was nothing cruel. If it is popular, then it is popular. All that matters is that there is money to be earned.

I am doing this for the money, not for popularity. All that matters is that there is drama to be filmed and money to be earned. What else can I do?

When it is over, I get criticised, just because most Chinese nationals are idiots, most of them are."

Reactions

For some reason, Weibo users decided that the person in the audio clip was Lee, even though evidence proving that it was indeed her has yet to emerge.

Many Weibo users voiced their unhappiness with the actress by leaving comments under her Weibo posts.

Translation:

"User @tanglihuakai-:

Get out of China as soon as possible.

User @yizhixiaokonglong2725:

Get out of China!

User @haochitangshiliu:

You bring shame to your country."

Several Weibo users also asked Lee to address the audio clip.

Translation:

"User @xinjianershangfangzhebianergege:

Why are you not adddressing the audio clip?

User @Cynthia_871:

Why are you not clarifying and not commenting [on the audio clip]?

User @Dayameizhi`KQ:

Come forward and explain [the audio clip] immediately! Better for the clip to be fake. Otherwise, I will really hate you. Give me back 'The Journey of Legend!'"

"The Journey of Legend (赴山海)" is an upcoming Chinese drama starring Lee and Chinese actor Cheng Yi.

Weibo users are worried that the audio clip may put the fate of the drama into question, as Chinese authorities had previously requested actors and actresses who committed "misdeeds" to be removed from drama series before they could be aired.

As of 5pm on May 9, Lee has yet to release any statement on her social media platforms addressing the audio clip.

Statements from Lee & agency

In response to Mothership's queries, Lee's agency, China Artiste Management, said on May 9 that the company is "still rectifying" the situation.

The agency said it will share an update in the next two days.

On May 10 afternoon, Lee published a statement in Mandarin on her Instagram page, claiming in the post caption that the woman in the audio clip was not her.

She added that she was "extremely shocked" when she heard the audio clip, adding that she did not make the insulting remarks towards Chinese nationals.

"I was born in China and returned to the country when I was 16. As I turn 26 this year, I have spent almost half of my life in China.

I have received many opportunities and help here, and I can shine in a career I like. I only have love and gratitude for this land, and I will never waver in my position on any issues concerning China."

As for why she did not address the audio clip when it first emerged, Lee said it was because she and her team were "sorting out the facts" and "hoping to offer a satisfactory answer" to those who care about her.

She also promised to walk her talk in the future, adding that she welcomes feedback from everyone.

In its statement, Lee's agency in China said:

"It had come to our attention that some online users were maliciously spreading false information about Lee, severely damaging her reputation, causing troubles in her private and professional life, and leaving a toxic impact on society."

The agency also demanded the online users to delete the false information in question and vowed to pursue legal actions should they refuse to comply.

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A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex)

Top images via Eleanor Lee/Weibo & Instagram