A leading Hong Kong television broadcaster swiftly distanced itself from a former extra’s social media post linking a fatal apartment fire to the importance of insurance, sparking a public outcry over exploitation of tragedy. The controversy erupted following a lethal blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in multiple casualties.

The incident centers on a post made by special contracted actor Lam Tsz-hang on a private microblogging platform. Lam’s message, which circulated widely, stated, “What we can do is prepare ahead, manage risks effectively, and secure protection and peace of mind for ourselves and our families. Insurance is not a hard sell, it’s companionship; financial strategy shouldn’t be cold numbers, but love and responsibility for the future.”

The sentiment, published shortly after the serious residential fire, was met with intense public condemnation, with numerous internet users accusing Lam of capitalizing on a tragic event to promote insurance products, often characterized with emotionally charged phrases like “profiting from the dead.”
Due to Lam Tsz-hang’s previous appearances in various Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) productions, the network issued a stringent public statement on its social media platforms early Wednesday morning to preemptively sever any association.

TVB’s statement clearly asserted that Mr. Lam Tsz-hang is not an employee of the company and his conduct does not represent the station’s stance or policies. The broadcaster expressed profound regret over the situation, strongly condemning any exploitation of major social incidents or personal misfortune for promotional purposes.

The television company concluded its announcement by extending deep condolences to the victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire and their families. It urged the public and media to treat disaster reporting with seriousness, cautioning against spreading misleading information or sensationalizing events purely to achieve higher traffic or immediate attention. They emphasized that TVB handles matters involving loss of life with the utmost solemnity and will not tolerate improper or misleading statements made under its name.

Following the backlash and TVB’s public censure, Lam Tsz-hang published an apology and clarification on his own platform. He explained that his original post, intended for his private circle of friends on WeChat, aimed to underscore the critical need for risk management and adequate protection following the fire outbreak. He claimed his intentions were misinterpreted as commercial promotion.

Lam expressed shock and distress that his message was construed as a callous attempt to “sell insurance using misfortune.” He clarified that the post was exclusively aimed at raising risk awareness among his followers and involved no commercial transactions or product sales.

“I deeply understand that in the face of disaster, respect and empathy are paramount,” Lam wrote in his apology. He sincerely apologized to anyone offended or misled by his initial expression, vowing to adopt a more cautious approach in his future public statements. He additionally offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the fatal blaze.

This incident highlights the delicate ethical line celebrities and public figures must navigate when commenting on major tragedies, particularly when their personal commercial interests could be perceived as conflicting with public grief and respect. Media organizations, like TVB, face pressure to rapidly disassociate themselves from individuals whose actions might damage their corporate reputation, particularly in sensitive matters involving life and death. The episode serves as a clear reminder of the swift scrutiny and severe consequences afforded by social media in today’s highly interconnected digital environment.