Hong Kong television personality and actress Rachel Li (also known as Lee Chiu-nam) has publicly recounted a distressing encounter involving an excessively aggressive fan during a public appearance, reigniting conversations about personal boundaries and safety for public figures. Following a press conference for the new ViuTV drama The Sommelier (存酒人) on Tuesday, Li detailed the incident on social media, emphasizing the importance of respecting professional limits, even during seemingly casual interactions.
Unwanted Physical Contact During Meet-and-Greet
The incident occurred as Li walked toward the entrance of the event venue. She confirmed that a male individual politely approached her and requested a photograph. Li stated that she readily agreed to the request, recognizing the importance of fan engagement.
However, the situation quickly escalated beyond a simple photo opportunity. “Immediately after I responded, ‘Yes,’ the person forcefully grabbed my shoulder and pulled me towards him,” Li wrote in a detailed social media post. She explained that the quick, intense action startled her, prompting an immediate physical reaction.
“Because it happened so fast, and the person used significant force, I was shocked. I instantly pushed back, retreated, and stated clearly: ‘You cannot touch my shoulder like that,’” she described.
The confusion continued as the man allegedly attempted to maintain physical proximity. Li reported that she recoiled backward, but the individual persisted, trying to use his elbow to reach out and maintain contact for the picture. While Li clarified that she was not injured, the entire exchange was deeply uncomfortable.
Calling for Respect and Professional Boundaries
Li took immediate action to address the situation and ensure future safety. She alerted hotel staff about the fan’s behavior, and personnel confirmed they had observed the incident.
The actress noted that while she understands some fans may become overly excited in the moment, that enthusiasm must not override basic respect for personal space.
“I understand that sometimes people get excited and might not control their actions,” Li wrote, adding she believed the man in question had already received a caution regarding his conduct.
Li’s account serves as an important reminder to the public about the necessity of maintaining personal space and decorum when interacting with performers and public figures. Her experience highlights a critical issue in the entertainment industry: the expectation of accessibility versus the right to bodily autonomy.
Protecting Personal Space:
- Always ask permission before attempting physical contact.
- Maintain a respectful distance during photographs.
- Understand that celebrities are professionals, and interactions should remain courteous and non-intrusive.
Concluding her post, Li stressed the need for mutual respect for both male and female artists. “I hope everyone respects the personal space of all artists. Please do not be so impulsive when requesting a photograph,” she urged. She assured her followers that she would remain vigilant regarding her safety moving forward.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge faced by public figures in balancing approachability with the need to enforce firm personal boundaries, ensuring that fan admiration remains respectful and non-threatening. Leading agencies and event organizers often include firm guidelines on fan interactions to prevent such occurrences.
