A charity screening of the film “The Fourth Act” at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts on March 17 opened conversations about sexual harassment and media ethics in the entertainment industry, sparked by recent allegations from actress Angela Yuen. Absent from the event due to work commitments, Yuen had posted a lengthy online statement detailing verbal disrespect from cultural media outlets and recounting past experiences of verbal and sexual harassment by directors, photographers, and senior actors during her career.
Co-Stars Back Yuen’s Courage
Yeung Wai Lun, one of the film’s leads, praised Yuen for handling the situation with clarity, stating she had expressed her views well and that no further discussion was necessary. Stephen Fung, a veteran actor and director, acknowledged that such behavior is not unique to showbiz, noting it may be even more prevalent in other workplaces. “With the prevalence of behind-the-scenes filming now, there are fewer opportunities for such incidents. In my years, I’ve heard of unspoken rules but never encountered them; men face this less often,” he said.
Both actors rejected suggestions that Yuen’s post was a publicity stunt, instead calling her decision to speak out brave and a potential catalyst for change.
Call for Clear Communication and Respect
Yeung emphasized that the key is for individuals experiencing harassment to explicitly state they are uncomfortable, regardless of gender. He underscored the importance of mutual respect in all professional settings. With self-deprecating humor, he attributed his own lack of such experiences to his unconventional appearance and thick skin, adding that he has always been treated with respect on both film and theater projects.
Media Sensationalism Also Criticized
The conversation expanded to media practices when actress Chung Suet Ying publicly condemned a publication for using the phrase “rare seductive scene from teacher Chung’s career” to describe her new film “Good Man Good Woman.” She called the language vulgar and misleading. Yeung, who also stars in the film, backed her, stating the description distorted the movie’s narrative and had no connection to its content. He stressed the importance of responsible journalism.
Looking Forward
Fung urged for immediate intervention when harassment occurs, advising colleagues to support victims on the spot to deter such behavior. The discussions at this event reflect a broader industry focus on workplace safety and ethical reporting. For fans and professionals alike, it serves as a reminder that while progress is being made, continued vigilance is essential. As the entertainment sector evolves, these conversations are helping to set new standards for respect and accountability, with hope for a more inclusive future.
