HONG KONG, June 17 — Acclaimed actress Cecilia Cheung today testified in Hong Kong’s High Court, challenging a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by her former manager, Yu Yuk Hing, and his company, Aeg Entertainment Group Limited. The dispute centers on alleged violations of exclusive management and film agreements from 2011 and 2012. Taking the stand, Cheung, who began her career in 1998, emphasized that personal trust and integrity, not financial terms or duration, have always been the paramount factors in her professional relationships, stating she would maintain lifelong ties with a trustworthy partner.
Cheung arrived at the High Court escorted by several men, wearing sunglasses, before being sworn in under Christian affirmation. The actress, represented by barrister Lam Ka Yan, adopted her witness statement and proceeded to face intense cross-examination from the plaintiff’s counsel, represented by barrister Kelvin Yim Sze-tai.
The lawsuit, filed under case number HCA1227/2020, claims Cheung failed to fulfill obligations under a Global Exclusive Management Contract (July 2011) and a Two-Picture Film Contract (May 2012). The plaintiff alleges that Yu Yuk Hing advanced a total of 42.76 million Hong Kong dollars in film fees for Cheung to star in six movies, but that Cheung breached both agreements. The plaintiffs are seeking damages of at least HK$12.76 million.
Trust Over Terminology
During questioning regarding the necessity of scrutinizing contractual terms, particularly tenure, Cheung disagreed with the plaintiff’s assertion that longevity was key. Having had two previous managers—Zhu Yonglong and Tiffany Chen Lan (known as “Contessa Chen”)—before her dealings with Yu Yuk Hing, Cheung maintained that her priority lay in personal rapport.
“If the person is good, I will work with them for a lifetime,” Cheung testified, reiterating that her focus was on trust “more than how many years or how much money.”
The defense, however, disputes the authenticity of the Global Exclusive Management Contract, arguing that Cheung’s signature on the document may be a forgery. Furthermore, the defense contends that any failure to proceed with filming was ultimately due to the plaintiff’s decision, not Cheung’s refusal.
A Unique Relationship with Her Assistant
Cheung also elaborated on her long-standing professional and personal bond with her assistant, Chow Ching Yee. She explained that Chow was originally assigned to her when Cheung was under China Star Group. When Cheung left the agency, Chow also departed and has remained her close confidante and manager ever since.
Cheung described their relationship as transcending the typical employer-assistant dynamic, built on mutual hardship and trust so profound that “no contract binds us.” She revealed that she delegates all financial matters to Chow, citing her own aversion to numbers—even needing to count on her fingers in court to verify her 13 years of experience by 2011.
Cheung explained that, in their unique setup, Chow handles the scheduling and securing of jobs, and Cheung then pays Chow a commission. She testified to handing over bank account information and even ATM card passwords to Chow, explaining that they have “shared joy and tribulation” together, underscoring the sincerity and personal-first approach Cheung applies to her business management.
The trial continues as the court examines the disputed contracts and the nature of the professional relationships at the core of the HK$12.76 million claim. Legal experts note that the case sheds light on the often-informal, trust-based dynamics that underpin celebrity management in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
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