Hong Kong actress and model Chrissie Chau, once dubbed the city’s “lingerie angel,” is facing a lawsuit filed by billionaire businessman Li Ka Shing, who accuses her of defamation and harassment stemming from long-running dating rumors.
According to HK01, Li Ka Shing has taken legal action not only against Chau but also against five YouTube channels for allegedly spreading false information. In a public statement, the billionaire asserted, “I do not know Chrissie Chau at all and have no relationship whatsoever with her.”
Li claims that Chau was the origin of the rumors that have followed him for nearly a decade, severely affecting his personal and family life. Through his legal representatives, he argued that Chau’s alleged motive in allowing or encouraging such speculation was self-serving—aimed at increasing her fame and advancing her film career.
The controversy reportedly dates back to 2016, during the promotional period for a film starring Chau. At the time, certain media outlets published stories suggesting that the actress was romantically involved with a “second-generation ultra-wealthy heir who was already married.” Online speculation soon linked that vague description to Li Ka Shing, fueling widespread gossip about a supposed relationship between the two.
Over the past ten years, numerous articles and videos repeating these claims have circulated across mainstream media, social platforms, and YouTube in mainland China, Hong Kong, and beyond. Some content directly mentioned Li by name, displayed images of him or his family, and implied he was financially supporting Chau. Certain videos even dragged unrelated women into the narrative. Li argues that such content constitutes harassment and defamation, causing significant reputational damage.
The situation escalated in June 2025 when Chau addressed the long-standing rumors during an interview promoting a new film. When asked about the alleged relationship with a wealthy man, she responded, “Thank you for asking. In reality, no one ever questions this because people assume it’s true. But I don’t know that person at all. I truly feel wronged.”
Her remarks reignited public discussion about the supposed connection. At the time, Li and his family were mourning the passing of his father, making the renewed attention particularly painful. Li contends that Chau’s comments were insensitive and self-serving, especially given the family’s circumstances.
In recent years, some online videos have gone even further, falsely implying that Li’s family was connected to criminal activity. Believing the situation has gone beyond acceptable limits, Li has decided to pursue legal action to protect his reputation and clarify the truth.
Li Ka Shing was ranked Hong Kong’s richest person in 2022, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, Chrissie Chau, born in 1985 in Chaozhou, Guangdong, moved to Hong Kong at the age of ten. She debuted in 2009 and quickly rose to fame thanks to her striking figure and bestselling photo albums, including the widely discussed “Kissy Chrissie,” which sparked what media once called the “Chrissie Chau phenomenon.”
Over time, Chau transitioned into film, appearing in dozens of projects such as Journey to the West and Three Lives. She earned Best Actress nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards for 29+1 (2018) and Madalena (2022), cementing her reputation as a serious actress beyond her early “lingerie angel” image.
Sources: Znews