Acclaimed actress Chloe Choi (37) is facing emotional distress and professional repercussions following a highly publicised, unilaterally declared “romance” by male fitness personality Ricky Cheng (58), necessitating her public defence against damaging rumours. The scandal, which included unfounded speculations of a sexual partnership, reached a peak recently when Choi was reportedly seen tearfully discussing the ordeal during a private dinner, according to reports in East Week. The actress, who maintains she is single, has since taken steps to both clear her name and pivot her focus back to her burgeoning international film career.
The controversy began when Cheng, known widely as “Rocky,” abruptly updated his social media relationship status to include Choi, seemingly claiming ownership of a relationship the actress immediately denied. Despite her swift repudiation, widespread speculation—including accusations of a taboo sexual arrangement—has severely impacted Choi’s personal reputation and her professional interests, which include a production company and family ties to the financial sector.
Protecting Professional and Personal Integrity
Friends reportedly close to the star have stepped forward to defend Choi, emphasising that despite growing up abroad, she maintains conservative views regarding relationships. Sources clarified that Cheng is not her preferred partner type and that the hurtful insinuations have caused her considerable embarrassment. For Choi, who has publicly stated aspirations for marriage, the negative portrayal has been particularly damaging.
The actress clarified the initial incident by stating she only learned of Cheng’s announcement after waking up. In an attempt to mitigate the situation and offer Cheng an olive branch, she initially described his actions as merely “simple-minded.” To definitively prove her lack of involvement, Choi publicly demonstrated that platform settings allowed for unilateral relationship updates.
However, this attempt to establish the truth inadvertently led to further backlash, with some online users accusing her of unnecessarily shaming Cheng. This reaction turned Choi into a sudden target of criticism for attempting to control a narrative imposed upon her.
Key Impacts of the Scandal
- Emotional Strain: Choi was recently observed breaking down in tears over the persistent false claims.
- Reputational Damage: The rumours have negatively impacted her image, crucial for her businesses and family’s standing.
- Public Scrutiny: Her attempts to defend herself were met with further online hostility.
Accusations of Calculated Misrepresentation
The narrative around the incident deepened following revelations that Cheng’s “simple-minded” persona may have been deliberately cultivated. Anonymous sources speaking to East Week indicated that Cheng had actively pursued the actress. The sources further alleged that Cheng had a pattern of seeking financial advantage, including asking Choi to cover dinner expenses by claiming budgetary constraints after their gym sessions.
The situation escalated when, even after Choi publicly denied the relationship, Cheng reportedly continued to hound the actress’s social and professional circle via private messages. Unable to tolerate the harassment, Choi was forced to issue a public plea for Cheng to cease contacting her associates.
Focusing on Career Amidst Turmoil
Despite the ongoing personal drama, Choi has demonstrated professionalism by dedicating herself fully to her career pursuits. She is not allowing the scandal to distract her from a significant upcoming professional opportunity.
The actress is currently preparing for a role in a Hollywood film, where she will portray an action-oriented character overseas. To prepare for the part, Choi is undergoing intensive mixed martial arts (MMA) training, signalling her determination to emerge from this distressing period by focusing on her professional achievements in the global entertainment landscape. The demanding training serves as both an immediate professional requirement and a symbolic rebuttal to the distracting noise of the unsolicited controversy.
