Hong Kong Stars' Son with Angelman Syndrome Relocates to Vancouver; Couple Faces Backlash
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong entertainment couple Ho Yan Yi (何雁詩) and Fred Cheng (鄭俊弘) have confirmed that their 4-year-old son Asher, diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Angelman Syndrome, has relocated to Vancouver, Canada. The parents, who married in 2020, revealed they now take turns traveling between Hong Kong and Canada every one to two months to be with their son, leading to intense public criticism that they have "abandoned" their sick child. Despite facing backlash, Ho Yan Yi has defended the arrangement, highlighting the positive impact of Vancouver's environment and lifestyle on Asher's development.
Key Points
- Asher, now 4 years old, was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome in 2024, and the couple previously sought intensive treatment in the United States, where he made progress in crawling and eating with utensils .
- Ho Yan Yi disclosed that Asher now lives in Vancouver, where she travels monthly to spend two to three weeks with him, while her husband Fred Cheng shares caregiving duties through a coordinated schedule .
- The couple acknowledged that the frequent trans-Pacific travel has significantly increased their expenses and complicated their work arrangements, though they maintain family remains their top priority .
- Netizens strongly criticized the couple, questioning how parents could leave a sick child abroad and suggesting wealthy entertainers have no financial excuse for separation, drawing unfavorable comparisons to other celebrities who quit acting to care for children with special needs .
- Ho Yan Yi also addressed past controversy regarding her involvement in Fred Cheng's previous relationship, clarifying that she had not been prepared to answer such questions and would now decline uncomfortable inquiries, while affirming their marriage remains strong .
Why It Matters
The backlash against Ho Yan Yi and Fred Cheng reflects broader societal expectations in Hong Kong regarding parental sacrifice for children with special needs, particularly when financial resources are available. Their situation has reignited public debate about work-life balance for celebrity parents and whether material success can justify physical separation from a sick child. The controversy also highlights how personal family decisions of public figures often become subject to intense public scrutiny in Hong Kong's media landscape.
The backlash against Ho Yan Yi and Fred Cheng reflects broader societal expectations in Hong Kong regarding parental sacrifice for children with special needs, particularly when financial resources are available. Their situation has reignited public debate about work-life balance for celebrity parents and whether material success can justify physical separation from a sick child. The controversy also highlights how personal family decisions of public figures often become subject to intense public scrutiny in Hong Kong's media landscape.