China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 76 Week of 10 November 2025
(1) Actress Carina Lau says husband Tony Leung’s photo was misused in Chinese ad
Hong Kong actress Carina Lau Ka-ling lashed out on Weibo Monday (Nov 10) after her husband Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s image was used without permission to promote health supplements.
(2) HK Actor Gabriel Harrison Gets Support From Louis Koo & Eric Tsang After His Tearful Plea For Funds For Wife’s Liver Transplant
He has since deleted the video of his emotional fundraising plea, and has apologised “for worrying everyone.”
(3) MIRROR’s Powerful Double Concerts: New Year’s Eve and Day Shows Ignite Macau with Fan Frenzy
MIRROR, celebrating its seventh anniversary, will headline two major concerts at Macau’s Studio City Event Center.
(4) Actor Jeremy Renner accused of misconduct by Chinese film director Yi Zhou
Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner has denied allegations by Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou, who accused him of sending explicit photos and threatening behavior, prompting mutual cease-and-desist letters and legal threats from both parties.
(5) The 2025 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Commences
The 2025 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival and the 38th China Golden Rooster Awards officially opened at the Minnan Grand Theater in Xiamen, Fujian Province on November 11.
(6) In Focus: MAMA Awards fuel HK tourism with unprecedented two-night show
The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) returns to Hong Kong after seven years for a historic two-day event at Kai Tak Stadium on November 28–29, 2025, featuring over 70,000 attendees, global K-pop acts, and local group Mirror, funded by the Mega ACE Fund to boost tourism and reinforce the city’s cultural hub status.
(7) Malaysian rapper Namewee released, no evidence in death case
Popular Chinese Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee was released on police bail Thursday after being held for a week to assist in the investigation into the murder of a Taiwanese social media influencer.
(8) Hong Kong film tycoon’s wife Tiffany Chen blasts the U.S. as having “no freedom” and bans family from migrating.
Veteran movie mogul Tiffany Chen Ming-Yin has gone viral on mainland Chinese social media with a video warning against immigrating to the US, which she brands as chaotic and unsafe, while vowing to disinherit any grandchild who studies there.
(9) Karen Mok announced THE BIG BIG SHOW HONG KONG STATION on December 20
Karen Mok will be performing a concert in Hong Kong on December 20, 2025, at the Kai Tak Stadium as part of her “THE BIG BIG SHOW” tour.
(10) Rosita Kwok Gets Criticized After Urging Netizens to be Considerate
After winning second runner-up in the 2020 Miss Hong Kong pageant, Rosita Kwok (郭柏妍) has been heavily promoted by TVB, yet she is often criticized for her acting.
(11) Warner’s School Tour 2025 ends with explosive fan energy across campuses
Warner Music Hong Kong successfully concluded its “SCHOOL TOUR 2025,” a collaborative series with six universities.
(12) Kris Wu reportedly died after refusing to eat while in prison; Canada confirms several of its citizens died in Chinese prisons, sparking speculation.
Authorities have yet to respond to the rumours surrounding the 35-year-old, who was sentenced to 13 years in jail in 2021 for rape and hosting group sex parties.
(1) Actress Carina Lau says husband Tony Leung’s photo was misused in Chinese ad
(Photo Credit: Carina Lau/Weibo)
Hong Kong actress Carina Lau publicly criticized the unauthorized use of her husband Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s image in an advertisement for health products by Encare Overseas Flagship Store on Taobao and Tmall. On November 10, Lau posted screenshots on Weibo exposing the brand’s use of Leung’s photo alongside host Chen Luyu’s image, accusing them of “severe infringement and consumer deception” and directly tagging the e-commerce platforms to demand accountability.
Encare defended its actions by claiming sponsorship rights from the talk show Dapian Hen Haokan (which featured Leung in its January 2024 debut episode), while the show’s production team stated they were “verifying the matter” and emphasized that Tmall/Taobao did not authorize the image use. Following Lau’s post, the ads were swiftly removed, and Encare’s storefront was reportedly taken down from the platforms, with Taobao vowing to penalize merchants violating regulations.
Taobao reiterated its commitment to merchant oversight, warning of immediate penalties for misconduct, as the incident highlights broader issues of celebrity image misuse in China’s e-commerce ecosystem. Lau’s proactive stance underscores growing celebrity advocacy against unauthorized endorsements, while the rapid takedown reflects platforms’ sensitivity to public scrutiny and intellectual property rights in digitally driven marketing landscapes.
News Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2025/11/12/actress-carina-lau-says-husband-tony-leungs-photo-was-misused-in-chinese-ad#goog_rewarded
(2) HK Actor Gabriel Harrison Gets Support From Louis Koo & Eric Tsang After His Tearful Plea For Funds For Wife’s Liver Transplant
(Photo Credit: Sin Chew Daily)
Earlier this week (Nov 8), Hong Kong actor Gabriel Harrison released a tearful video appealing for help. The 52-year-old suddenly went live on Instagram with the caption “Urgent Liver Transplant Needed”, and pleaded for help to raise medical funds for his ailing wife. His wife, makeup artist Effie Mok, was diagnosed with acute liver cirrhosis and hospitalized at Guangzhou’s Sun Yat-sen Hospital. He revealed the need to raise HK1.5 million for surgery but had only gathered HK700,000, stressing his legitimacy amid distress before deleting the video shortly after.
In a follow-up statement on November 11, Gabriel clarified that Effie suffered acute liver failure, initially treated at Hong Kong’s Queen Mary Hospital before transferring to Guangzhou for specialized care, where she required ICU admission five days later. He explained the hospital’s transparent pricing—surgery costs HK500,000, but total expenses exceed HK 1 million—and acknowledged family savings were depleted, apologizing for his earlier “anxiety-driven” video while thanking supporters.
Gabriel expressed gratitude for widespread support, notably from Louis Koo’s Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, TVB’s Eric Tsang, and agency colleagues, though donation specifics were undisclosed. Effie’s mother confirmed her daughter awaits a liver donor, emphasizing the critical timing but requesting privacy as the family coordinates treatment low-profile, with Gabriel urging continued prayers for his wife’s recovery.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/gabriel-harrison-wife-liver-transplant-eric-tsang-louis-koo-help-850106
(3) MIRROR’s Powerful Double Concerts: New Year’s Eve and Day Shows Ignite Macau with Fan Frenzy
(Photo Credit: HK01)
MIRROR, celebrating its seventh anniversary, will headline two major concerts at Macau’s Studio City Event Center alongside the full “King Maker” family—including COLLAR, ERROR, LYMAN, P1X3L, ROVER, and 5G. The series begins with the “King Maker Fest: Countdown to 2026” on New Year’s Eve, a one-night event featuring the franchise’s first-ever full cast gathering in Macau, promising hit performances and a collective countdown to 2026 aimed at creating a historic, high-energy celebration.
The festivities continue on January 1 with “MIRROR First Day 2026,” a dedicated concert where all twelve MIRROR members will deliver a new stage experience and classic hits to kick off the new year. With no large-scale MIRROR group concert in recent time and both dates aligned with major holidays, the organizer anticipates extreme ticket demand, likely resulting in instant sell-outs for both shows amid intense fan excitement.
The organizer emphasized that the production will feature meticulously designed special segments, including crossover performances between different groups (e.g., MIRROR X COLLAR, ERROR X P1X3L), though specific details remain confidential to maximize surprise. The event aims to leverage the full lineup of over thirty “King Maker” family artists to create unforgettable memories, marking a milestone in Macau’s entertainment scene as they ring in 2026 with fans on a grand scale.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/60293168/mirror%E9%99%A4%E5%A4%95%E9%A8%B7%E8%88%87%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B4%E9%A8%B7%E5%BC%B7%E5%8B%A2%E7%99%BB%E5%A0%B4-%E7%B2%89%E7%B5%B2%E7%86%B1%E6%83%85%E9%9C%87%E6%92%BC%E6%BE%B3%E9%96%80%E5%A0%B4%E9%A4%A8
(4) Actor Jeremy Renner accused of misconduct by Chinese film director Yi Zhou
(Photo Credit: AFP)
Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou, 37, accused Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner (known for Marvel’s Hawkeye) of sending explicit photos, threatening her with immigration reports, and exhibiting threatening behavior during a meeting that forced her to lock herself in a room for safety. Renner’s representatives categorically denied the allegations as “totally inaccurate and untrue,” emphasizing his commitment to legal recourse against defamatory claims.
Zhou detailed her claims in a series of social media posts starting November 3, including photos and message screenshots, alleging Renner initiated contact in June with intimate photos and later signed professional agreements with her Italian production company before refusing promotional support. Renner’s legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter on November 7, demanding an end to “false and salacious lies,” while Zhou countered that she had sent three similar letters to Renner earlier.
The conflict unfolded against Renner’s ongoing recovery from a near-fatal 2023 snowplow accident, with Zhou’s allegations sparking the hashtag #canceljeremyrenner and drawing international media attention. Both parties escalated legal threats, highlighting tensions between personal conduct claims and professional collaborations in the entertainment industry.
News Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actor-jeremy-renner-accused-of-misconduct-by-chinese-film-director-yi-zhou
(5) The 2025 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Commences
(Photo Credit: Zhou Yi/Xinhua)
On the evening of November 11, the 2025 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival and the 38th China Golden Rooster Awards officially opened at the Minnan Grand Theater in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The opening ceremony kicked off with creative segments including “Lighting the Golden Rooster,” new film recommendations, and a series of performances. The “Lighting the Golden Rooster” moment was completed by actors Huang Bo and Zhou Dongyu, presenting a modern, minimalist, and poetically romantic ritual.
“Today, the global film industry is stepping into a brand-new digital era. As young actors, we are willing to embrace new technologies, but we are also fully aware that the soul of cinema lies beyond algorithms. We will continue to use light and shadow to build stories, use film to record time, preserve sincerity, and convey emotions,” said young director and actor Dai Mo. Marking the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, this year’s Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival will feature film screenings, academic forums, the Golden Rooster Film Market, grassroots film worker outreach activities benefiting the public, and the Golden Rooster Film Venture Conference.
The final judging for this year’s Golden Rooster Awards will take place during the festival, with all major awards announced at the awards ceremony on the evening of November 15. Starting November 1, host city Xiamen launched the 2025 Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Lifestyle Season, promoting deep integration of film with cultural tourism, dining, and commerce through international film exhibitions, 10 film-tourism routes, one movie-themed metro carriage, one themed cruise ship, and 16 offline Golden Rooster merchandise outlets—creating an urban cultural tourism experience where “movies enter daily life, and life is filled with movies.”
News Source: http://www.news.cn/ent/20251112/a3f53546d16f4b32b33efd2b264ed831/c.html
(6) In Focus: MAMA Awards fuel HK tourism with unprecedented two-night show
(Photo credit: Singtao)
The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) returns to Hong Kong after seven years for a historic two-day event on November 28–29, 2025, at Kai Tak Stadium, coinciding with Mnet’s 30th anniversary and marking the largest gathering of K-pop fans in its history. Funded by the Mega ACE Fund, the ceremony—first held consecutively over two days in Hong Kong—expects over 70,000 attendees (up from 10,000 in 2018), with global streaming in 200+ countries. Hong Kong’s Mirror opens, blending local flavour with international K-pop.
Star power includes global presenters Michelle Yeoh (first Asian Oscar winner) and Chow Yun-fat, hosts Park Bo-gum (Day 1) and Kim Hye-soo (Day 2), and special stages like Park with Bamjeop, Kim with Stray Kids’ Felix, and a live-action KPOP Demon Hunters adaptation. Day 1 features BABYMONSTER, ENHYPEN, IVE, MEOVV, (G)I-DLE, TREASURE, Super Junior, and Mirror; Day 2 has G-Dragon, ALLDAY PROJECT, aespa, CORTIS, and Stray Kids, plus ZEROBASEONE’s Seong Han Bin with Japanese dancer Kyoka.
MAMA’s return, after 2013–2018 Hong Kong streak with icons like Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok, leverages Kai Tak’s new venue and Mega ACE funding to boost tourism amid post-pandemic recovery. By blending Hong Kong acts (Mirror) with K-pop giants and cinematic collaborations, it reinforces the city’s East-meets-West cultural hub status, potentially driving economic impact through overnight visitors while elevating MAMA’s “Asian Grammys” prestige in a competitive awards landscape.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/316763/
(7) Malaysian rapper Namewee released, no evidence in death case
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Malaysian rapper Namewee will be released from custody on Wednesday after prosecutors found insufficient evidence linking him to the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin in a Kuala Lumpur hotel last month. Malaysian Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar announced Tuesday evening that investigation reports showed no evidence directly connecting Namewee to Hsieh’s death. The rapper will be released on police bail when his remand period expires Wednesday.
The case began on October 22 when the 31-year-old nursing graduate, known online as the “nursing department goddess,” was found dead in a five-star hotel. Police had upgraded the case to murder investigation after discovering blue pills and unidentified drugs at the scene, with evidence suggesting Hsieh had sexual intercourse with Namewee before her death.
Namewee had voluntarily surrendered to police for investigation. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil had previously confirmed the two were friends with “other relationships” and had checked into the hotel together overseas before the incident. The Attorney General’s office noted it retains the right to take further legal action against Namewee if new evidence emerges in the future.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/kpop-and-asia-showbiz/article/316633/
(8) Hong Kong film tycoon’s wife Tiffany Chen blasts the U.S. as having “no freedom” and bans family from migrating.
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Veteran movie mogul Tiffany Chen Ming-Yin, wife of Hong Kong producer Charles Heung, has gone viral on mainland Chinese social media with a scathing video warning against immigrating to the United States, branding it chaotic, unsafe, and discriminatory while vowing to disinherit any grandchild who studies there.
In the clip posted to Xiaohongshu under the stark title “Never Immigrate to the Beautiful Country—The Price You Pay Is Unimaginable,” Chen, who has filmed in America since the late 1980s, painted a grim picture of streets overrun by addicts, armed vagrants, and beggars in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Chen claimed: “I think America has no freedom right now. Beggars, homeless people, and drug addicts are everywhere on the streets. Some streets you simply can’t go or wouldn’t dare go. If someone wants to have business with us, please fly to China!”
Chen declared the country devoid of the freedom it once promised, insisting she never pursued citizenship despite easy opportunities decades ago because of perceived bias against people like her. She issued an ironclad family edict—no child or grandchild may settle in the U.S. or even attend university there, threatening to donate her fortune to charity if anyone defies the rule.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/316285/
(9) Karen Mok announced THE BIG BIG SHOW HONG KONG STATION on December 20
(Photo Credit:PR of Karen Mok)
Karen Mok announced “THE BIG BIG SHOW Hong Kong Station ‘Home Game’ Limited Edition” for December 20, 2025, at Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, marking her first concert there as a Kowloon City native sharing “home” warmth. Tickets ($1380/$1080/$880/$680) go on sale November 10 at noon via Hong Kong Ticketing, Damai, and Fun Island. As the first Chinese female pop singer at Beijing National Stadium, this “homecoming” after 12 tour stops promises ultimate production with live band, Karen Mok & The Masters rock band, HKYO orchestra, massive LED screens, mechanical stages, and naked-eye 3D effects.
The press conference sparked massive online buzz over the “memory kill” setlist—speculating Cantopop classics and Mandopop hits like “Hiroshima Mon Amour,” “He Loves Me Not,” “Growing Fond of You”, etc. Mainland guests included Wu Bai, Nicholas Tse, Tanya Chua, and more; netizens wildly guess Hong Kong “home game” guests, fueling anticipation for the mid-winter spectacle blending Eastern-Western cultures.
Mok’s Kai Tak debut leverages her legacy as a Bird’s Nest pioneer, transforming the venue into an intimate “home” reunion amid Hong Kong’s post-pandemic live music boom. The hype over setlist/guest speculation reflects fans’ emotional investment in her 30-year career, blending nostalgia with innovation via orchestra and 3D tech. As tickets launch, this “limited edition” positions Mok as a cultural bridge, potentially setting attendance records while boosting local tourism in the evolving Kai Tak district.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60293163?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(10) Rosita Kwok Gets Criticized After Urging Netizens to be Considerate
(Photo Credit: Rosita Kwok / Youtube)
Rosita Kwok (郭柏妍), second runner-up in the 2020 Miss Hong Kong pageant, has been heavily promoted by TVB with frequent drama roles, but her acting in the current series Golden Forest (金式森林) has drawn sharp criticism. Netizens slammed her for blank stares, a shrill voice, and repetitive performances, accusing her of relying on looks—big eyes, short skirts, and leg displays—rather than skill. Despite more opportunities than peers, Kwok faces backlash for stagnant growth, with her Joey Law romantic subplot deemed unconvincing and dialogue often unclear.
In response, Kwok posted on social media pleading for understanding: “I have a feeling that everyone will consider my feelings.” She hoped for empathy but received harsher rebukes, with users urging her to accept criticism as an artist: “If you’re going to be an actress, you have to know how to act and not as the audience to ‘pretend’ to like you.” One constructive comment noted her fixed youthful roles limit range, suggesting a TV station switch for better development. Kwok appreciated feedback before deleting the post, “Thank you for your feedback. I also feel that I didn’t do many things well.”
Kwok’s plea highlights the double-edged sword of pageant-to-stardom pipelines in Hong Kong entertainment, where rapid promotion amplifies scrutiny on unpolished talent. TVB’s favouritism toward beauty queens boosts visibility but risks backlash when acting falters, echoing broader debates on meritocracy vs. nepotism. Her deletion signals vulnerability amid toxic online discourse, yet acknowledging flaws could foster growth; netizens’ mix of vitriol and advice underscores a call for humility in an industry where looks open doors but skill sustains careers.
News Source: https://www.jaynestars.com/news/rosita-kwok-gets-criticized-after-urging-netizens-to-be-considerate/
(11) Warner’s School Tour 2025 ends with explosive fan energy across campuses
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Warner Music Hong Kong’s “SCHOOL TOUR 2025,” co-hosted with six universities, wrapped up successfully, featuring stars like Dear Jane, MC Cheung Tin-fu, Panther Chan, Kaho Hung, Constance Chan, Gareth Tong, Kiri T, Moon Tang, Nancy Kwai, Gordon Flandres, Gigi Cheung, Zpecial, and Lewsz. Dear Jane shared joy in company-wide campus energy, with students singing along from soundchecks. Kaho Hung debuted new song “Till We Meet Again”, laughing at fan shouts of “I love you!” and announcing his November late personal album.
Constance debuted on tour amid nerves for close-range performances. She gasped from excitement, rushing to hyped students: “I got so excited seeing them excited, then ran out of breath!” Panther encouraged her growth. MC Cheung and Billy Choi premiered “168.5” at CUHK and Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, nervously joking about height; MC promoted November 19 Macau concert “#Project 1201 Live,” fans begging “additional show!”
Gareth.T’s “No Full Frontal”, the hailed “song of the year”, ignited choruses overpowering music, with his signature spin peaking atmospheres at Shue Yan University. The tour’s pranks, debuts, and fan fervour blend nostalgia with fresh energy, fostering Warner family bonds and viral moments like Gareth’s spin while boosting young artists’ confidence in Hong Kong’s competitive music scene.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3517252/
(12) Kris Wu reportedly died after refusing to eat while in prison; Canada confirms several of its citizens died in Chinese prisons, sparking speculation.
(Photo Credit: 8 days)
Chinese-Canadian actor Kris Wu has recently become the focus of public attention due to unverified rumors circulating on social media and forums claiming he died in a Beijing prison in early November 2025 after refusing to eat, allegedly leading to organ failure and swift, secret disposal of his body. Wu, sentenced to 13 years in 2021 for sexual assault and rape allegations, remains imprisoned in Beijing or Hebei, but the rumors—intensified by reports of information suppression and warnings to relatives—have sparked widespread discussion despite lacking official confirmation.
The rumors gained traction amid confirmation by the Canadian government that several Canadian citizens or dual nationals had died in Chinese prisons this year, though Ottawa has not clarified if Wu is among them. His dual citizenship raises potential diplomatic sensitivities, particularly regarding human rights and judicial transparency. Chinese platforms like WeChat, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu swiftly censored related posts, fueling public skepticism about authorities’ silence—whether to avoid rumor amplification or conceal a truth with international repercussions.
Netizens have polarized reactions: some demand official refutation to quell misinformation, while others speculate that silence implies truth, potentially exposing systemic issues in prison treatment and cross-border legal accountability. The situation underscores broader concerns about China’s handling of high-profile cases involving foreign nationals, censorship practices, and the ethical dilemmas of verifying sensitive information in a tightly controlled media environment.
News Source: https://news.vocofm.com/en/chinanews/167932/
