Actress Yuen Lai-lam Reveals Sexual Harassment in Entertainment Industry, Women's Groups Call for Cultural Change
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Local actress Yuen Lai-lam took to social media on October 12 to disclose that she was sexually harassed during an interview for the film "Esports Girl" (《電競女孩》). A male journalist reportedly opened the conversation with a vulgar remark, saying "I feel like I'm sitting at a table," which drew immediate criticism from the actress and her colleagues. Rather than offering a sincere apology, the journalist made excuses, claiming he was simply "being a male PR." Yuen further revealed that she has encountered repeated incidents of sexual harassment throughout her career in the entertainment industry, including inappropriate comments from directors, vulgar remarks from actors under the influence of alcohol, and unwanted physical contact from senior male performers. The Association on Gender-Based Violence against Women has responded by emphasizing that jokes cannot serve as excuses for harassment and that societal misconceptions must be dismantled .
Key Points
- Yuen Lai-lam disclosed on October 12 that a male journalist made a sexually suggestive opening remark during an interview for "Esports Girl," saying "I feel like I'm sitting at a table"
- The journalist did not apologize sincerely when confronted and instead excused himself by saying he was "a male PR"
- Yuen revealed a male director once told her she "looked like someone who wants genuine friendship rather than casual encounters"
- A male actor allegedly made a vulgar comment in Japanese asking "Do you like my dick?" after drinking, while a senior male actor kissed her cheek without consent during filming
- Zhuang Zihui, General Secretary of the Association on Gender-Based Violence against Women, stated that jokes are never excuses for harassment and called for cultural change
Why It Matters
This incident exposes the persistent problem of sexual harassment within Hong Kong's entertainment industry and highlights how deeply entrenched misconceptions normalize such behavior. The victim's willingness to speak out demonstrates a growing awareness of gender-based violence, while the women's organization's response underscores the need to challenge societal attitudes that dismiss harassment as joking or professional conduct. As more victims speak out, this case may drive discussions on strengthening protections and addressing harassment in creative industries .
This incident exposes the persistent problem of sexual harassment within Hong Kong's entertainment industry and highlights how deeply entrenched misconceptions normalize such behavior. The victim's willingness to speak out demonstrates a growing awareness of gender-based violence, while the women's organization's response underscores the need to challenge societal attitudes that dismiss harassment as joking or professional conduct. As more victims speak out, this case may drive discussions on strengthening protections and addressing harassment in creative industries .