Anthony Wong and Astrid Chan Exchange Angry Words Over Artistes Guild Fiasco
Anthony Wong (黃秋生) continues his attack on the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild and its Secretary Astrid Chan (陳芷菁) over their refusal to include him in a Guild election on January 13. The meeting was called to select a new President after Eric Tsang (曾志偉) voluntarily stepped down in October 2013. Unable to contain his anger, Anthony took to social media to vent his complaints and did little to conceal the identity of his target. Astrid stood firm and defended her actions, responding to Anthony’s taunts with equally sarcastic pleas.
Operating without a leader for the past few months, the Guild finally called for a vote on yesterday. Anthony, who is heavily rumored to be Eric’s successor, arrived at headquarters with the Guild’s constitution in hand, saying he was invited and followed the directions he was told. He brought along several TVB artists as well, all hoping to submit their membership applications in time for the election. Unfortunately Anthony was flatly turned away by Astrid at the door because he is not a current member of the Guild. Since reporters were present, Anthony vented his frustrations publicly, rolling on the floor and pretended to be faint to show his disgust.
Because Anthony was being disruptive, the Guild adjourned the meeting without a vote and plans to try again on January 21, giving all parties time to resolve their differences. Attempting to clarify the facts, Astrid took to Weibo afterwards and stated that the Guild has repeatedly informed Anthony about their membership process since December 20, and said that she was simply fulfilling her duties as the Secretary.
Addressing Anthony directly, Astrid mocked his tactics yesterday, saying that she has always been a fan of his acting and called his performance “cute”. She also asked him to tone down his personal attacks. “I’m just a little woman, please forgive me. It has been really hard holding down the fort without a leader. I was only requesting applications on behalf of our membership team, why be so hard on us?”
Copying her tone, Anthony said, “Secretary Chan please abandon me” and also responded with a question, “How can we become members when we are rejected at the door?” Regarding Astrid’s earlier comment that it takes time to process membership applications, Anthony said heatedly, “[She] needs to check artists’ eligibility? It makes more sense for me to check hers! She hasn’t worked in such a long time, I suspect she’s not even eligible!” Paying no heed to her request, he continued to attack her, calling her illogical and ignorant of her true status. ” We all followed Eric and respected him. I almost forgot who Astrid Chan is!”
As for the upcoming election, Anthony said that he was not informed of the new meeting date and quipped that his candidacy will depend on how quickly the Guild can approve his membership request. Slightly calmer, he seems to have given up on the idea of establishing a new artists’ union. Even though he has not officially commented on whether he will continue to run for President, this incident will likely leave a big stain on his record and may skew his previously good chances during the upcoming election.
Source: Oriental Daily
This article is written by Katrine for JayneStars.com.
Although Anthony is wrong for not following the rules. …I think Astrid could have handled it better esp as a representative of the HKPAG. Instead of shutting the door in Anthonys face maybe invite him in and explain to him privately why he can participate. That way he can save face in front of the media and coworkers while giving him the respect he deserves as the a senior actor.
He doesn’t conduct himself in a way that would command or deserve respect.
Disagree!
i agree with m lee, don’t see anthony as the head of anything, he is edison chen’s god father
Agreed!
I always like Astrid acting, she is a lovely lady.
But i think she lacks tact in this case. She, being a secretary, which function is administrative in nature, and not a leadership role, has follow strictly to the society’s code, but that is not the mark of a leader.
As an executive, especially being a secretary, I think it is Astrid’s job to follow the rules and regulations of the Association. It is Anthony’s fault not to submit his application on time. Why blame Astrid for her action?
Fault her because she doesn’t know how to handle the situation. If everything ios follow the book by the hairline, then surely you are no leader, just an administrator.
She’s in the industry, she knows Anthony’s character, she also know his standing in the actors’ guild, otherwise he wouldn’t be a front runner for president.
A better judgment would have pacify the situation. Now she have to adapt and work under him as his subordinate if indeed he becomes president.
I would have thought Astrid is wiser tan that, she looks so calibre, diplomatic and have such world view when acting as a lawyer in the No1 crown court drama in the 90s.
But, @sandcherry, I can’t say the same for you, your reply implies that you do your work in a fixed programmed robotic style. No EQ at all.
your reply implies that you do your work in a fixed programmed robotic style. No EQ at all.
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Thanks for your comments on me. Astrid is only a secretary of an association, who is not a decision maker. Check the actual meaning of a secretary position in an association. If she was a president, I agree that she did not handle the situation smartly.
Moreover, a person with a bad temperament will not be a good candidate for the President’s position ………… my personal thinking only.
As per dictionary.com, a secretary is “a person, usually an official, who is in charge of the records, correspondence, minutes of meetings, and related affairs of an organization, company, association, etc.”
“related affairs of an organization, company, association, etc.” ……… include the rules and regulations of the association.
I agree with sandcherry. Astrid was only doing her job. What’s the point of having rules and regulations if exceptions are made every time someone like Anthony wants to intrude on a meeting?
Yes, Astrid was only doing her job, no doubt about that….and to be honest, that’s not what people are criticizing her for. The reason why people are criticizing her is because she stooped to Anthony’s level and engaged in a verbal war with him, meeting his sarcastic remarks with equally sarcastic rebuttals of her own — that type of behavior is unprofessional, childish, and absolutely unnecessary. She could have just kept it neutral by letting Anthony go off on his verbal tirade and not contribute to it — would have made him look bad but not her…however she chose to engage in it, and the results are disastrous.
Look at the way Eric Tsang and Michael Miu handled the situation…both of them were asked to respond and both took neutral positions, not blaming either party. Michael defended Astrid by saying that she was only doing her job and clarified that he was the one who adjourned the meeting (since he’s vice-president), not Astrid — so no, she wasn’t trying to usurp power (which is what Anthony’s camp was claiming). At the same time, Michael also said that he still supports Anthony and believes that he truly has the heart to help artists, but also admits that after this incident, Anthony’s chances of getting elected are lower.
Eric Tsang also defended Astrid and the HKPAG committee, saying that they did the right thing by adjourning the meeting without finishing the voting for president. At the same time, he also said that he understood where Anthony was coming from and most likely this whole thing was a result of internal miscommunication — he also said he still supports Anthony as well.
Not surprised if Eric Tsang backed Anthony Wong up also. Eric is a guy without good principles. He just wants to please everyone even if he has to break a rule badly. It is good ….. he has a lot of friends, and bad …… he does not follow rules and regulations and sometimes just ignores them. In other words, he is not a disciplinary person. If everyone behaves without disciplines, I don’t know what will happen to the society.
I wiki’d the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild and this is what it says:
“The four main objectives of HKPAG include: strengthening, bonding, and communication amongst fellow performing artistes, improving professional standards and qualities, promoting and protecting performing artists’ rights and contributing to charity activities.”
Anthony already failed at the first objective. He needs to stop being such a baby about the whole thing. Even if he does get elected, I don’t see him lasting a year.
Anthony is definitely not going to get elected — the ‘rumor’ about him being Eric’s successor was just that — a rumor — that the lazy Media made up (I say ‘lazy’ because it’s obvious the Media didn’t do their homework). Anthony does not have the ‘highly respected status’ in the entertainment industry nor does he have the wealth of connections / access to HK’s biggest stars — both of which are necessary to be president (all of HKPAG’s previous presidents had both of these)….therefore, he doesn’t even ‘qualify’ in my opinion.
I will be curious to see who the HKPAG ends up electing as president next week because there are very few people ‘qualified’ for the position. If they choose someone whom majority of the artists disagree with to represent them, it’s going to be a very tough sell….
Didn’t he bring a bunch of people with him just so that he can have some extra votes on his side? The media is lazy, but I do think Anthony also fueled the speculation because he kept talking like it was certain he would get elected. He was also “joking” about needing more nominees since he thought he was the frontrunner. I’m curious who the other nominees are though..
@AC: Very true — the media may have started it, but Anthony did fuel the fire with his comments on the speculation.
There actually aren’t any ‘official’ nominees — the Media did publish a list of ‘possible candidates’ but again, that was purely based on Media speculation on who they felt had the highest chance of getting the position.
From what Eric Tsang has said about how the process works, it sounds like there isn’t an official list of candidates. The members basically get together to elect the 21 representatives of the Executive Committee (that’s the committee that runs HKPAG), then once that group is determined, they vote amongst themselves on the various positions (president, vice president, secretary, etc.). It’s actually not a complicated process at all….
“he is not a current member of the Guild. ”
How does one become a member? I would think being an actor he is automatically registered as a member?
According to the news they have an application process. I am assuming your not considered a member until you submit an application.
I think the artist guild is like a professional organization for artists. One would have to submit an application in order to be a member. For example, just because a person is an engineer, doesn’t mean that person would automatically become a member of a society of engineers.
My thoughts exactly including the example. What if an artist doesnt want to be part of HKPAG?
Why can’t he just follow the procedures and complete the application. He was told about it a month ago if that’s true
^EXACTLY. This is the thing I don’t understand, he is aware of that he needs to register as a member, why didn’t he do so? I mean if he had simply applied, he wouldn’t have caused all this trouble on himself and on others imo.
Actually, subsequent news reports clarified what actually happened. Anthony IS a member of HKPAG from a long time ago, but he hadn’t paid his dues (aka membership fees) in quite some time — his membership didn’t exactly get cancelled, but it’s kind of like starting the process over again in that he has to fill out a form and pay the membership fees to ‘reinstate’ his membership. Astrid claims that HKPAG committee notified Anthony in December that in order to reinstate his membership, he has to fill out the form and pay the membership fees — however the part that’s not clear is whether he was notified of the timeframes (i.e. it takes time to process so he can’t just show up, fill out a form, pay the fee, and expect to be reinstated right away).
Also, the other issue was that most of the artists that Anthony brought with him were NOT members of the guild, so it makes sense why they would not be let in.
Bottom line is that there was definitely miscommunication internally, since someone obviously notified Anthony to attend, probably without realizing that his membership hadn’t been reinstated yet. And of course, he’s taking the position that if HKPAG told him to go, then everything must be good, so slamming the door in his face was a huge insult.
It makes sense what happened on both sides, it’s just that the way the matter was handled was very immature and unprofessional.
I think it’s just an issue of Astrid being a stickler for rules and Anthony being quick tempered. I find Anthony’s conduct (rolling on the floor and pretending to faint) and Astrid’s false self-deprecation (I’m just a little woman) equally childish, unprofessional and off-putting. These two need to grow up and start acting like adults.
I agree with you. Both acted immaturely and didn’t handle the situation well at all — to me, both of them aren’t qualified to serve in a high position in the HKPAG.
When I see this kind of crap going on, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of some of the veteran artists who often lament how disjointed the HK entertainment industry has become. The industry already lacks unity…why make things worse by having these types of ‘internal battles’ that do nothing except give the Media fodder for their stories?
agree with Mt,both are immature in reaction. after reading many reports im disappointed in Anthony,although there is an miscommunication he should handle this issue with more tact.
I’m disappointed in both…this incident alone shows us that both Anthony and Astrid are incapable of representing the HK entertainment industry. Look at the way Eric Tsang (as former president and current honorary president) and Michael Miu (as one of the current vice-presidents) handled the matter (once they found out about it) and it’s easy to understand why they were chosen to take on their respective positions….
Also, probably both think of themselves as all that but both stupid and unprofessional. This dude along w/other TVB dudes are always kind of garlic breath individuals, a bit rude and have ego issues. I don’t really who she is except in tvb series and not at all popular. She probably thinks she’s doing her job but still if this VETERAN sort of actor, she could have taken a better approach than this. Both unprofessional and childish, can’t compare who is worst.
Well-said….
bizzybody,
🙂 thanks.
Actors and Actresses causing a show in public. How amusing that the are humiliating each other in the most childish way. Good luck to both of them.
Maybe TVB should make a series on the Guild and how it started.
“[She] needs to check artists’ eligibility? It makes more sense for me to check hers! She hasn’t worked in such a long time, I suspect she’s not even eligible!… I almost forgot who Astrid Chan is”
I think whatever the circumstance saying something like this is uncalled for. There was no need for Anthony Wong to stoop to that level and because of that I find it hard to imagine how he will be able to treat similar PR issues in the future.
They need a union. A real union.
WTF has the guild done lately? or ever?
If these two imbeciles wanted to duke it out, at least choose something that’s worthwhile.
Anthony Wong is very ill tempered. He is always reported as being on bad term with almost everyone
Agree, also quite a few TVB older dudes as well. Not just him….
What a drama queen & little man for taking it out on a woman w/ personal atks.
Anthony wong channeled his inner Tai Fei with this showing. Bringing some tvb actors with him as backup. Anthony wong really “benz break” this time.
I seriously doubt Anthony would win the election anyway. He has such a bad temperament.
I don’t think Anthony Wong will be a good candidate for the President’s position with his bad temperament.
No, he’ll do fine, better then Eric Tsang.
If those actors he’s supposed to represent thinks that his outburst and outspokenness means he will not back down from a fight for their rights when the time comes, then yes, I agree he may get their votes.
‘To hell with diplomacy – our right is our right and this is our fight’ would be Anthony’s motto….
I’ll side with Astrid over this. How can Anthony be the president of the guild when he is condecending towards his fellow colleagues by saying things like “who is Astrid?” Astrid may not be in many series or movies but she hosts several TVB programs and events. And I think she is one of the better hosts in TVB. Even if Astrid is wrong in handling the matter, the reaction from Anthony certainly didn’t put him in a good light.
So what does the HKPAG do?
Holding hands and sing kumbaya
This is such a pointless argument. Anthony can just submit the application form or check up his application process if his applied and Astrid could have just resolve this by letting him in during the meeting as a guest before he becomes the member or tell him to come next time politely. Is there any need for this?
A smart suggestion!
You can’t let a non member into a meeting where invariably he will offer his opinion. The proper way is to accept his application, process it within a day and then invite him into the next meeting. Anthony should show more class than to expect immediate process and Astrid should cut the sarcasm and do her job as the secretary.
Or better yet any actor/entertainment personnel who has been in the business for 5 years or above with affiliation to any movie/series/production should be given automatic membership.
How hard is it to do this?
I’m sure there are membership fees or dues. It wouldn’t make sense to give everyone membership if they don’t apply and pay the dues.
any actor/entertainment personnel who has been in the business for 5 years or above with affiliation to any movie/series/production should be given automatic membership
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The above rule should have been included in the “Rules and Regulations” before Anthony Wong’s incident.
It is rather hard to enforce it as there are too many artistes in the entertainment business for 5 years or above.
Agree that there should be membership fees required to run an association. In that case, whoever wants to be a member should pay his/her dues.
I am sure that some artistes do not want to be members of the Association even if they have been in the entertainment business for 5 years or more. In that case, how does the association define “who is a member of the association”?
In that case, how does the association define “who is a member of the association” unless they apply for membership?
Anything but his action to roll on the floor was freaking childish.
Anthony is a westerner deep inside. I don’t think anyone dare to do that because of face saving. Thumbs up for Anthony.
Why didn’t Anthony Wong do it in the western country if he is a westerner? He was brought up in Hong Kong and has lived there during his whole life, he’d better behave like a Hongkonger.
Astrid Chan idiotic behavior currently back up by her lawyer husband.
I don’t think Astrid Chan had idiotic behaviour and her action was backed up by her lawyer husband, as you described. As an ordinary audience and viewer of the above topic, I would back her up. She was just doing her job as a secretary of the Association. If you want to be nasty and mean, you can say that she could have handled the situation more tactfully, but her behaviour was not idiotic.
Astrid Chan handle the whole situation like watch dog therefore it was done not professional but personal.
I did not follow Astrid’s blog or on other websites. I commented as per above article only.
Don’t forget that Hong Kong was once rule by the British other wise there wouldn’t be Hong Kong now. It would’ve been China. Westerner is the bigest thing because when we see westerner we bow and look up. Anthony is a westerner and he likes to help because some of us Chinese are quite narrow mind. An example Astrid Chan.
Don’t be sooooo narrow-minded. Astrid Chan grew up in Toronto while Anthony Wong grew up in Hong Kong. Who is more westernized?!
Anthony has white blood in him.
I further checked on Wikipedia, Anthony Wong also spent a few years in college in England. He was born of an English-born sailor who walked out on his family when Anthony Wong was only four years old. Therefore, what kind of western culture did he get from his dad?
Blood means very little in a person, culture and upbringing make a big difference.
If Anthony Wong wants to behave like a white guy, he should move to live in England or the west, definitely not in Hong Kong where Chinese is a dominated ethnic group.
People like to immigrate to America, Canada etc…I wonder why?
Why don’t you move there and compare? You will know the reasons then.
LOL!
i wouldn’t, america and canada is controlled by the illuminati group
Although we are neighbours to USA we have different cultural values!!
Eg. America would want you to become full “American” FIRST as in assimilating into the American culture. However in Canada, we welcome diversity, and allow you to keep your cultural identity prior to becoming a Canadian. Hence the term “Canadian” is very vague, broad, very multicultural. But for Americans, it’s a certain identity. Our politics is ALSO very different as well (:
And that USA had ALWAYS wanted to control over Canada, their “Americanization” dream.
@sandcherry
Just curious, how is a Hong Konger suppose to behave as opposed to anyone else?.
Also, why would you insinuate that Anthony’s behaviour is equivalent to that of a white guy?. Like I said, just curious.
Trini:
“Don’t forget that Hong Kong was once rule by the British other wise there wouldn’t be Hong Kong now. It would’ve been China. Westerner is the bigest thing because when we see westerner we bow and look up. Anthony is a westerner and he likes to help because some of us Chinese are quite narrow mind. An example Astrid Chan.”
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I did not “insinuate that Anthony’s behaviour is equivalent to that of a white guy”. It was “kiwi” who claimed that Anthony Wong is a white guy.
Please read the quoted message.
anthony did nothing wrong he just expressed his frustration to be handled like a beggar by astrid.she had to give anthony some face by letting him in and then tells him the rules under a cup of thea and bicuits.she simply lacks some EQ and people knowledge.
QTeeKingdom. I beg to differ from your point of view. I do not like the way Astrid reacted to Anthony’s rift raft childish behaviour, She could and should have handled his retain with more class and dignity.
However, just because Anthony is a celebrity, it does not mean he can bypass the rules and regulations of the Guild. He needs to realise that celebrities need to at times follow common instructions and procedures like anyone else. His disgusting outbursts show he is in no way fit to become the Guild president.
Jackie Cheung would make an ideal president. He is humble, kind, wise, honest and fair and has class. He has all the attributes to make an excellent president. Too bad he does not want the job.
i didnt said he may bypass the rules,as eric tsang said this whole issue was an miscommuniucation on both side.eric said to anthony he could take some people to the meeting and its not a problem,but what eric didnt said was that the membership process will take 2 days to confirm.so how can anthony explain to astrid if she even didnt let him in,i know rules are rules but anthony isnt a stranger and she knows that he is a candidate,so why is she so afraid of? sometimes special situation needs special treatment.i think everybody will be pissed off in those situations,you can say he should handled this with more calmness,but why should he when he was handled like garbage.and moreover he wasnt the one that have started the social media war.
Is that how he’s going to behave at guild meetings next time? When there voting, press conferences, by rolling on the floor throwing a childish tantrum? Such tantrums are uncalled for in children, even more in a adult.
I am with astrid on this case. She is merely following instructions of the guild. And when she went to weibo, what she says seem quite logical, no personal attacks.. Anthony’s was sarcasm lor.