Cecilia Cheung Denies Box Office Failure in Court

Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung has denied allegations of box office failures while giving testimony in the High Court regarding a breach-of-contract lawsuit initiated by her former manager, Yu Yuxing, and his company, AEG Entertainment.

Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung. Photo from Cecilia Cheung Studio's Weibo

During the court proceedings, the judge examined a 2012 contract involving two films, which stipulated that Yu was required to pay Cheung or her management company a deposit of HK$2.76 million (US$354,491) within three days. In response, Yu presented a cheque in court, claiming the payment had been made. However, Cheung refuted this, stating she had never received the funds.

Emails exchanged between Cheung’s assistant, Emily, and Yu were submitted as evidence. These included the film contract and a request to waive commission. Cheung disputed claims that she coordinated projects through her assistant, asserting that any questions about the emails should be directed to Emily rather than herself.

She also denied ever requesting advance funds, emphasizing: "Every job I’ve undertaken since my debut has always been properly compensated."

Cheung further argued that the films in question were never produced, and therefore no payment was owed. She explained that for a film to be considered legitimate, essential elements such as a complete script, director, cast, and proper lighting must be in place.

"A film is not just a contract; everything must be in place," she said.

In response to media reports of poor box-office performance, Cheung questioned the framing of the issue, asking: "What do you mean by box-office failure? My mother thought it was fine. Is the media your relative?"

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, began hearings on December 5, during which Cheung refuted allegations that she had reneged on a promise to appear in four films produced by AEG Entertainment between 2011 and 2019. The actress broke down in tears during her testimony.

Cheung, 45, entered the entertainment industry in 1999 with Stephen Chow’s film "King of Comedy" and rose to fame through "Shaolin Soccer," "Love Undercover," and "Kung Fu Chefs."

Her personal life has also drawn significant media attention. She was married to actor Nicholas Tse, with whom she has two sons. The couple divorced in 2011, after which Cheung became a single mother. In 2018, she gave birth to a third son, keeping the father’s identity private.

Key Points from the Testimony

• Cheung denied receiving a HK$2.76 million deposit from Yu Yuxing as per the 2012 contract.
• Emails between Cheung’s assistant and Yu were submitted as evidence, but Cheung claimed they should be directed to her assistant.
• She emphasized that all her work has been properly compensated.
• Cheung argued that the films were never produced, so no payment was due.
• She questioned the media’s portrayal of box-office failures, suggesting it was subjective.
• The lawsuit, filed in 2020, continues with ongoing hearings.

Background on Cecilia Cheung

Cecilia Cheung has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Starting in 1999 with Stephen Chow’s film "King of Comedy," she gained widespread recognition through movies like "Shaolin Soccer," "Love Undercover," and "Kung Fu Chefs." Her acting skills and versatility have made her a prominent figure in Hong Kong cinema.

In addition to her professional achievements, Cheung’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. Her marriage to Nicholas Tse and their three children have attracted media attention over the years. Despite the challenges, she has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry and continues to be a respected figure among fans and peers alike.