S'porean actress Eleanor Lee denies audio clip voice calling Chinese nationals 'idiots' is her, says she's grateful for China

Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee, 25, daughter of Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, has come forward to address the allegations that she insulted 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.

On May 10 afternoon, Lee published a statement in Chinese on her Instagram page, denying that it was her voice in the audio clip.

Her agency in China also demanded online users who had published "false information" on Lee to delete those posts and vowed to pursue legal action should they refuse to comply.

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

Lee's statement

In her Instagram post, Lee began her response by apologising for being involved in "such a major controversy", which took up public resources.

"I was very shocked when I heard about the audio clip. I definitely did not speak those words," said Lee.

Lee then chronicled her journey with China, writing:

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

I gained many opportunities and received much help here, and I was able to shine bright in a career I like.

I only have affection and gratitude for the land. I will never weaver 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 for her.

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

"Once again, I apologise for the controversy caused by me and for taking up public resources online."

Statement from Lee's agency in China

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

"Recently, it has come to our attention that some online users have been maliciously spreading false information about Lee, severely damaging her reputation, causing serious problems in her private and professional life, and leaving a toxic impact on society."

The agency then rebutted the "false information", stating that Lee "has always respected and loved Chinese culture".

According to the agency, over the years, Lee has been studying Chinese proactively, participated in the filming of Chinese films and television series, and committed herself to promoting cultural exchanges.

"The audio clip and other related content circulating online are completely fake and fabricated. They are suspected to have infringed on Lee's legal rights and interests," read the statement.

The agency then demanded online users who have published or reposted such "false information" to delete their posts and stop spreading and entrenching those rumours.

"For those who continue to infringe on Lee's rights and spread rumours, our company will safeguard our rights and interests through legal means and will not tolerate [such behaviours]," read the statement.

The agency concluded its statement by calling on online users to "discern information online rationally" and "not to spread fabricated information".

The agency also thanked the public from all walks of life for the attention and support they had given Lee.

"Looking ahead, we will continue to handle public feedback with a positive attitude and return everyone's trust with good-quality work."

Reactions

However, Lee's and her agency's statement did not appear to satisfy Instagram users.

In the comments section, some Instagram users, who claimed to be Lee's fans, said they could recognise her voice.

Translation:

"Eleanor, I really wanted to believe you. I listened to the audio clip several times, and it was a voice I am familiar with.

If the audio clip is fake, I hope you can find a professional team and produce effective evidence to clear your name.

Fans are all waiting for you, and we hope such incidents had never happened. Please give us a direct, clear response, rather than a template-like response.

If [the audio clip] is true, I am very disappointed. Thank you for your company, but it's time we parted ways."

An Instagram user who claimed to be from Taiwan also took issue with Lee saying that she was born in China.

Just like her mother, Lee was born in Taiwan.

Translation:

"Why did you say you were born in China when you were born in Taiwan? You have failed all the Taiwanese people who stood up for you."

Top images via Eleanor Lee/Instagram