Hong Kong Singer Deep Ng Slaps Phone of Persistent Street Photographer, Sparks Online Debate
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN

Summary
Hong Kong singer Ng Ho-cheong, widely known as Deep Ng, has become the subject of online discussion after a video circulated showing him slapping a passerby's mobile phone in a street confrontation. The incident occurred when Ng, wearing a red jacket, was leaving a commercial building with friends and was repeatedly filmed by a stranger despite asking them to stop. While the clip initially attracted criticism, netizen sentiment quickly shifted in Ng's favour, with many arguing the passerby was disrespectful. Ng's wife Kwok Sze-lam and actress Tong Pui-yi publicly defended him, and Ng himself responded to negative comments by stating he never claimed to be a gentleman.
Key Points
- Singer Ng Ho-cheong (Deep Ng), previously known for his music career, gained widespread respect after becoming a construction site scaffolder during COVID-19 to support his family
- A viral video showed Ng slapping a stranger's phone after being repeatedly filmed while leaving a commercial building; the stranger had ignored his requests to stop
- Most netizens supported Ng, with comments such as "once someone asks you not to film them and you still do, that's disrespect" and praising his previous reputation for being approachable
- Actress Tong Pui-yi shared the video and later revealed via DM with Ng that he was protecting his sister-in-law, who was being filmed without consent
- Ng personally responded to critics with the straightforward statement: "I never said I was a gentleman," which netizens praised for being candid and unpretentious
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing debates about celebrity privacy and the boundaries of public filming in Hong Kong, particularly regarding fans or bystanders who cross the line between public interest and personal intrusion. Ng's story of redemption—from scandal-plagued performer to manual labourer to business owner—has resonated with Hong Kong audiences, making this incident a case study in how public perception of celebrities can shift dramatically based on seemingly minor altercations. The widespread support for Ng suggests Hong Kong netizens increasingly sympathise with celebrities who stand up for their personal boundaries rather than tolerating invasive behaviour .
The incident highlights ongoing debates about celebrity privacy and the boundaries of public filming in Hong Kong, particularly regarding fans or bystanders who cross the line between public interest and personal intrusion. Ng's story of redemption—from scandal-plagued performer to manual labourer to business owner—has resonated with Hong Kong audiences, making this incident a case study in how public perception of celebrities can shift dramatically based on seemingly minor altercations. The widespread support for Ng suggests Hong Kong netizens increasingly sympathise with celebrities who stand up for their personal boundaries rather than tolerating invasive behaviour .