Kong Mei-yee Reveals Dark Period of Cyberbullying, Psychiatric Help After Viral Criticism
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong actress Kong Mei-yee (江美儀) has opened up about the darkest period of her three-decade career, revealing she required psychiatric help after suffering severe online abuse over her role choices. During an appearance on host Chan Yuki's (陳敏之) online show Chi Chat on Saturday, Kong shared how viewers criticized her for playing older romantic interests to younger male co-stars, particularly in drama series The Glittering Palm (璀璨之城) and Triumph in the Skies II (衝上雲霄II). The abuse was so intense that she sought professional mental health support, questioning what she had done wrong. Interestingly, more than a decade later, the same English lines that sparked backlash have now gone viral on social media, transforming her into an internet icon.
Key Points
- Kong Mei-yee appeared on Chan Yuki's online show Chi Chat on Saturday, where she discussed her 30-year acting career and straight-talking personality that not everyone could accept .
- In Triumph in the Skies II, Kong played an older romantic interest to co-star Ma Siufai (馬國明), causing netizens to label her "old cow eating fresh grass" and criticize her for "corrupting children," leading to a complete emotional breakdown requiring psychiatric help .
- Her iconic English line "As if I care! I don't give a damn!" from drama series The Lady of Ornate Palaces (名媛望族), initially condemned as vulgar, has now gone viral on social media platforms years later, earning her the status of a "boss lady" icon .
- While working for ATV, Kong recalled being mocked on the street by teenagers in Wu Kai Sha who pointed at her and her co-star Lam Wai-san (林韋辰), shouting "these two 'mo lei' are from ATV" .
- Kong also revealed she is learning sailing in her spare time, personally handling sails and braving big waves despite getting bruised, stating she wants to pursue what she desires while she still has time .
Why It Matters
Kong Mei-yee's candid revelation highlights the serious mental health impact of cyberbullying on entertainment industry professionals, particularly actresses who face ageist criticism for their romantic role choices. Her story of eventual public redemption offers hope to current and aspiring performers navigating online abuse, while her emphasis on psychological resilience provides valuable lessons for Hong Kong audiences facing similar harassment in the digital age .
Kong Mei-yee's candid revelation highlights the serious mental health impact of cyberbullying on entertainment industry professionals, particularly actresses who face ageist criticism for their romantic role choices. Her story of eventual public redemption offers hope to current and aspiring performers navigating online abuse, while her emphasis on psychological resilience provides valuable lessons for Hong Kong audiences facing similar harassment in the digital age .