Former TVB anchor Tam speaks out on coercion
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago5 MIN
Summary
Former TVB news anchor Tam Sze-ngaa (譚詩雅), also known as Zya, said she recently decided to revisit a painful early-career experience after wider public discussion about sexual harassment. She said that shortly after graduating from university, she went to an entertainment company to discuss a film contract while seeking on-screen opportunities, only to be told that becoming the female lead required accepting a “casting couch” arrangement. Tam said the executive made explicit sexual demands, tried to manipulate her by invoking past emotional hurt, and threatened to cut off future opportunities when she refused. She said she left, cried on the street and on a bus, and later concluded that no woman in any industry should be treated that way.
Key Points
- Tam, who left TVB in March, said she spoke out on social media after recent public discussion over women’s workplace safety intensified.
- She said the incident happened when she had just graduated from university and was actively attending auditions to pursue entertainment work.
- During a meeting about a film contract at what she described as a so-called entertainment company, an executive allegedly tied a lead role to sexual compliance.
- Tam said the man explicitly told her to “take off your trousers” and suggested her chances depended on how much she was willing to “give”.
- After she refused, he allegedly warned that if she walked out, nobody would contact her again, after which she broke down crying.
Why It Matters
Tam’s account adds another public allegation to the current discussion about sexual harassment and coercion facing women at work, including in Hong Kong’s entertainment sector. Her decision to speak years later shows how past experiences can resurface when similar cases enter public debate, and why victims may remain silent for long periods before coming forward.