Hong Kong singer-actor Stephy Tang publicly disavowed a close friend’s social media comments targeting former Cookies bandmate Theresa Fu, as a years-old bullying controversy reignites.
Tang, 41, made the statement Wednesday at the “Emotions Daily • Art Blossom” charity exhibition in Central, Hong Kong, after a netizen criticized Fu’s personality and accused her of being “socially inept and overly sensitive” in a post that resurfaced the group’s long-standing tensions. The commenter was later identified as one of Tang’s non-celebrity friends.
“I used to try not to respond too much to these stories, hoping to avoid an endless cycle,” Tang told reporters. “But this involves a friend of mine, so I need to be clear: My friend’s actions and words do not represent my position at all. Although we are friends, she is an adult individual—her choices, behavior, and statements are not mine.”
Tang, who rose to fame as a member of the early-2000s Cantopop girl group Cookies, acknowledged she felt “surprised and a little disappointed” upon seeing the comments, which she attributed to emotional impulses. “As a friend of someone outside the entertainment industry, I feel it’s necessary to apologize on her behalf to everyone affected by this,” she said. “I hope people give her some space. She doesn’t need to bear this pressure.”
Tang revealed the friend has since apologized to her privately, admitting the mistake.
‘I Don’t Remember That Conversation’
The latest chapter stems from Fu—now using the name Fu Bo-Yee—revisiting in a recent interview her experience of being ostracized by fellow Cookies members. Fu claimed she once asked Tang, “Why are they like this?” and received only a terse “I don’t know” in reply.
Tang pushed back on that account. “I don’t remember that conversation,” she said. “But I’m certain that if I did respond, it wouldn’t have been in that tone.”
Another former bandmate, Angela Au, has also been accused of involvement in the alleged bullying.
Legal Threats Over ‘Exaggerated’ Claims
As netizens compile timelines of the purported mistreatment, some have questioned whether Tang herself participated—a suggestion she called “extremely serious and severely untrue.” She said her management has already archived the material. “If necessary, we will hand it over to lawyers,” Tang said, without specifying which online accusations she considered defamatory.
Tang declined to discuss reconciling directly with Fu. “Everyone makes their own choices. There are many rumors we can’t control. I choose to read less of this news and advise fans to stay calm and avoid online fights,” she said. “People who know me understand what’s really happening. After so many years in the industry, I prioritize work and don’t dwell on other matters.”
She also noted she does not wish to drag other former members into the dispute. “It happened a long time ago. The other members have their own lives now; some are no longer in this business. I’m still here facing it, but I don’t want to trouble them.”
The saga underscores how social media can amplify decades-old celebrity grievances, forcing public figures to navigate the blurred lines between personal loyalty and public accountability. For now, Tang hopes her Wednesday remarks will finally put the matter to rest—before it spirals further.
