Charmaine Sheh: “I Did Not Steal Another Woman’s Husband!”
Recent tabloids claimed that Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) was involved with a married, wealthy businessman, Tony Hsiao. Angered by false claims that she stole another woman’s husband, Charmaine contacted Tony and Mrs. Hsiao to issue a joint statement denying tabloid rumors and reserving the right to pursue legal action on the false claims. Charmaine said, “I can not be weak this time. Since the allegations were too serious, I had to come forth. The rumors were very damaging for the three of us.”
Tony and Mandy Hsiao’s Response
Tony Hsiao and his wife, Mandy, both work in the financial industry. After the joint statement with Charmaine was issued, reporters asked whether he would pursue legal action for libel. Tony said politely, “Sorry, it’s inappropriate for me to answer right now.” (What is your relationship with Charmaine?) “I’m sorry, I have nothing to say.” Teased by his friends about being on the cover of tabloid magazines due to his rumors with Charmaine, Tony wrote on his blog, “This matter did not [benefit] us by making us stand out. The rumors hurt both Mandy and I since there was no ounce of truth in the tabloids’ reports.”
Pestered by the press to respond to the matters, Mandy said, “I will only answer questions pertaining to the financial market.” Mandy wrote on her blog, “I am made of water and can survive in any form. Since I work in the securities industry, my professional image is very important. I am not like those celebrities who wish to appear in the newspaper everyday. These type of rumors affect my mood and work. The companies which we consult for IPOs are afraid to be seen with me, concerned tabloids will falsify news and slander their names.”
Charmaine Sheh: “Selection of a Boyfriend Not Based on Money”
Possessing a high emotional quotient (EQ), Charmaine normally shrugged off tabloid allegations. Since the media was interested in her love life, various reports frequently claimed Charmaine dated different men. Earlier, there were claims that Charmaine was involved with a mainland wealthy second generation, Chen Chung. Charmaine denied the rumors, “The truth is that I never met the wealthy second generation, or a rich man in mainland.”
Charmaine revealed that money was unimportant in the selection of a boyfriend. “I will not base [my criteria] on money. I can earn money myself and I am not hoping to pursue a luxurious lifestyle. I wish to pursue only happiness. The most important thing is happiness. If I can smile every time I see him, then I am satisfied. We have to be compatible and share the same vision on the most important issues. Of course that does not mean we have to have the same exact thinking. I also prefer a man with a cheerful and happy disposition. I am a happy person and possess the tendency to think happy thoughts while forgetting unpleasant things.”
“I also hope that he is older than I am. First, my thinking is quite mature. In addition, due to working in the entertainment industry for many years, I am more mature than other women my age. If he is older, then he will take care of me more! Of course, I can not say that an older-woman-younger-man relationship is impossible. The man can be younger than me in age but more mature in thinking!”
Was Charmaine willing to accept a partner from mainland China, such as Ada Choi (蔡少芬) marrying Max Zhang (张晋) and good friend, Sonija Kwok (郭羨妮), engaged with action choreographer, Zhu Xiaojie? Working in China earlier, Charmaine said helplessly, “Last year, my two male co-stars in mainland productions were Bobby Au Yeung (歐陽震華) and Roger Kwok (郭晉安). Since they are both family men, how can there be romantic sparks?”
Filming with Bobby Au Yeung and Roger Kwok for three months respectively in China, there were no romantic rumors. However, in April, Charmaine was rumored with the married Tony Hsiao after a dinner with mutual friends. Tony and his wife had two daughters and were well-known within the financial industry. However, a tabloid ran headlines claiming Charmaine “stole another woman’s husband.”
“Tony and I are just common friends. We only shared two dinners together and there were other people present. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred. However, the tabloids went too far this time [in suggesting I wrecked someone’s marriage]. It surpassed entertainment value and was unethical. In the past, I treated rumors the same way; reporters, artists, and readers had their own interests and positions. If no one was hurt, I will just laugh off the rumors. Due to the great impact on all three people involved in this fabricated news, I can not be weak and had to come forth and clarify the matter.”
Since the rumors crossed an ethical boundary, did Charmaine have a bottom-line in love and never be a “third party” in a relationship? Charmaine said justly, “I will not derive my happiness from another person’s suffering!” (Will you never break up a couple’s marriage?) Charmaine said firmly, “I have never done so in the past!”
Unwilling to Sacrifice Her Image Due to False Rumors
When Charmaine saw the malicious reports claiming she wrecked Tony Hsiao’s marriage, her eyes became moist with tears. Since Charmaine was filming Patrick Kong’s (葉念琛) new movie for several days and nights without sleep, she was tired mentally and physically. On the first day she had nine hours without work, Charmaine immediately contacted Tony Hsiao and his wife, Mandy, to discuss the situation. The trio agreed that the most direct approach would be to issue a joint statement to the media.
Charmaine noted that she did not know Mandy prior to the scandal. “Due to this incident, I met Mandy and gained an extra friend.” (Did Mandy believe that Charmaine and Tony were not romantically involved?) “If she did not believe this, she would not have agreed to the joint statement.” (Tabloids claimed that Tony and Mandy were experiencing marital problems and considering divorce?) “I will not ask about other people’s family issues!”
Eager to Find “Mr. Right”
Often giving other people the impression that she was very strong, Charmaine was deeply hurt by recent allegations that she was a marriage wrecker. “My job is an artist, but I am just a normal person, a woman. I am not particularly strong. Since I was young, I had to rely on myself to face and handle many matters. Thus, I do not delve on issues. However, there was no need for the allegations to grow in intensity. I was deeply hurt this time! This allegations would not have disappeared after one magazine cover if I did not clarify them. It is not worth it for my image, which took over ten years of my effort to establish, to be wrecked by false rumors. It is not worth it to die this way!”
When Charmaine’s step-father passed away earlier, her mother decided to relocate from Hawaii to Hong Kong for permanent residence. After Charmaine’s mother moved in with her, it took Charmaine some time to adjust to the new living arrangement. When the allegations with Tony Hsiao appeared, Charmaine’s mother comforted her. “My mother did not repeatedly ask or bother me with questions. She knew clearly what I was doing, the places I go to and the things I do on a daily basis. We are like friends.”
Experiencing unpleasant situations naturally warrant a desire to find someone to offer support. Currently not involved in a relationship, Charmaine said, “Right now, I truly want ‘Mr. Right’ to appear. My current desire for this to happen is greater than any time in the past. I am very tired from handling everything by myself. I want a hero to help the beauty!”
Excerpt from Ming Pao Weekly # 2218
Jayne: It was a wise move for Charmaine to initiate contact with Tony Hsiao and his wife to issue a joint statement denying the matters. It shows that Charmaine was able to handle situations with a clear mind. Her manner of addressing the questions in the Ming Pao interview was well-thought out and again reveals her logical methods.
In contrast, Charmaine’s good friend, Sonija Kwok, did not handle third party rumors as well when she was implicated in Michael Tao’s divorce several years ago. Good friends, but such contrast in ability in dealing with the press and stressful situations.
Yep, I never thought Sonija ever handles her rumors as calm as Charmaine does either. She gets irritated with questions easily and just by the tone of her voice, it shows she is easily affected and bothered by her rumors. But, I think Charmaine handled it appropriately this time, too. I think by issuing a joint statement, it shows that they are on good terms and not pointing fingers at each other, and are on the same page.
Only time will tell if the rumors are true and if Tony and Mandy do indeed have marriage problems. They will definitely try to handle their problems in a low-key manner to not be on the front cover pages. I’m also in the financial industry, and credibility and professionalism is so important to your reputation. So, even if they had any drama, they would keep it behind the scenes.
maybe Sonjia was the 3rd person in Michael Tao and wife relationship, which is why Sonjia can only handle it very differently..
@hello, Does that seem plausible? Sonija seems like someone who values and cherishes love. Would she really break apart a family just to get the guy to herself?
@Chriselle, not too sure. which is why i said ‘maybe’. Sonjia was with Derek for a while, this was after Derek and spouse were together. after Derek split with Sonjia, Derek was back with his wife…
i am not saying that this concludes that Sonjia may be 3rd person in Michael Tao and wife relationship, just saying there is a pausibility…..
@ hello
I remember Sonija dated Deric when he was already single. Deric did not get back with his ex-wife right after he split with Sonija. It was years later and Deric has another girlfriend in between.
I think Sonija thinks with her heart. And I believe her to be a die hard romantic, so she tends to fall for whoever she is attracted to, hence the rumours. Charmaine on the other hand thinks with her head, she is more guarded and more careful, I believe Charmaine is those you can have her keep secrets.
It just shows that Charmaine has much greater IQ/EQ than Sonija. I believe how someone handles or respond to situation determines how intelligent they are… I always thought Charmaine was very intelligent.
I’m impressed with the way she handled the issue. Once again, it shows that she has both IQ, EQ, and certain boundaries that can’t be crossed.
After seeing how she handled this rumour, I have new thoughts on Charmaine’s success. She lacks acting skills, but besides having luck and work, she appears to have IQ/EQ as well.
I wonder is he her financial advisor? Does he have an investment company? Maybe that is the connection. Since all parties issued statements, I believe Charmaine. Plus she can do better than that.
Plenty of rich bachelors around.
indeed, she can do better than this guy. wonder how much this guy is worth
Her response was very good indeed whether this rumor is true or false. However I believe she wants a rich guy and they are hard to find since they can “get” anybody so why would they choose Char??? She will probably find herself an actor/makeup artist etc in China…
see exoidus…and you said your comment isn’t mean? why can’t rich guys like her? I don’t understand why you always say the same freaken thing about her looks and blah blah blah when it comes to rich guys courting her? YOU BELIEVE she wants a rich guy? oh yea, like your belief is relevant? she, like any other actresses, deserves to be loved by anyone who loves her.
To be fair, who wouldn’t want a rich guy?? Even the normal citizens do, so why wouldn’t actresses want one since their expectations are way more than a normal girl? It is true that if women made their own money, they may not require a guy to be as rich or well off but whoever complained that money is too much?? It is true that rich guys can get any girl that they want, however, once you are really in love, love is blind so it doesn’t matter as much if the girl is drop dead gorgeous or not. Most actresses do marry someone well off/rich or someone from the circle, but some don’t… It just varies…
About whether Charmaine wants someone rich or not, who really knows besides her? However, I don’t think it is completely wrong to say that she doesn’t at all because who doesn’t to a certain extent? The question is, is that all that she is going for??? But I hope that Charmaine isn’t saying that but having different thoughts, however, who really knows except for her?? I think we have talked about it before that sometimes you may really want something but act like you don’t want it at all, but in reality you want it more than anyone(not aiming at Charmaine but saying in general because that is how some people are).
Anyways, who knows for sure if this is true or not?? I think that it it occurs over and over again then it has a higher chance of being true. BUt we just hear about it this once or twice at most, then it is less likely true. I don’t think that Charmaine is the type that would go after a married man.
@Ping,
No need to get mad.. We all know you like Charmaine and all but you need to accept the fact that there are others that don’t like her. They are just stating their opinion… It’s not just actresses that get courted by the rich…I do agree that she or anyone(not just actresses) deserve to be loved and to love whoever they like…. However, I can see why Exiodus says that because seriously, there are a lot of younger and more beautiful girls out there(not just actresses) so there is plenty to choose from. But I do believe that if anyone choose Charmaine or anyone, it is because she or that particular girl must have something else that maybe some other girls don’t have?? That is why a person picks their husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend over many others in this world…
“Often giving other people the impression that she was very strong, Charmaine was deeply hurt by recent allegations that she was a marriage wrecker. “My job is an artist, but I am just a normal person, a woman. I am not particularly strong. Since I was young, I had to rely on myself to face and handle many matters. Thus, I do not delve on issues. However, there was no need for the allegations to grow in intensity. I was deeply hurt this time! This allegations would not have disappeared after one magazine cover if I did not clarify them. ”
Strong does not mean one would not get hurt. I still find her strong for speaking up and standing up for herself.
Of course she had to speak up. If it was a rumour and a vicious one, hurting other people and her own reputation, she naturally has to speak up.
Yes, I know. But, the way the sentence was worded made it sound like those who kept silent and bear it all or didn’t let rumours get to them are the strong one. Those that was hurt are not strong.
That’s why I said strong does not mean one would not get hurt and she’s still strong for speaking up and standing up for herself instead of brushing it off like she usually did.
Wow, not a even 6 months for her to settle down up there and she’s already getting slammed. Good for her on taking this head on, hope she sues them into bankruptcy.
btw, that pic makes him look like a bobble head. Just sayin’
I know right…. Poor charmaine.
Thanks Jayne. I’ve always like Charmaine and this article make me even more impressed with her. It seems like Charmaine is finally ready to find someone and settle now… now that she’s away from TVB, she may finally have time to find someone! I definitely believe her when she says that money is not a factor when looking for her significant other. Her personality comes off as way too independent and self-sufficient to be the obedient wife of some rich tycoon.
Charmaine denied the rumors, “The truth is that I never met the wealthy second generation, or a rich man in mainland.”
…aaaah ain’t that true! Unless an average girl like Charmaine is introduced into this elite circle by one of her friends who is already in the circle because of her profession…it is exceedingly difficult to marry a truly rich guy ala Gigi and Michelle. Ya know the saying, “birds of a feather flock together”? It’s true. Michelle and Gigi get so much press because their life is like a certain type of person’s [most ppl haha] dream.
Charmaine comes off as being quite intelligent and perhaps even unwilling to compromise in matters of love. I do not mean that she is stubborn, but rather that this is the type of woman who will speak up for herself when she has to or feels it’s appropriate to rather then letting things slide. I’m the same, so I get type casted as “mean” or simply “anal” but actually, some of us are just decisive human beings with clear moral compasses and place great importance on self image.
I actually used to dislike Charmaine because of her roles, but I do like who she is as a human being from what I can glean from the interviews. I even follow some of her series now.
not really sure if you should be comparing Michelle and Gigi’s husband wealth, as i do think they have a significant magnitude of a difference…
in terms of rankings.. you should probably compare Isabelle (ex)husband/bf , Cathy Chui, then Michelle, then comes the other… maybe Gigi and Melissa Ng… oh and maybe least rich would be Suki.. lol
LOL I wasn’t really comparing the husbands’ to each other. I was comparing Michelle and Gigi’s marriages to rich guys [generally] and the potential for mere mortal women like the rest of us to ever encounter the same destiny :T
What, Melissa Ng is married?!
@iampheng, Yes, Melissa has been married for many years now. The couple also had a child a couple years ago.
If I rmb rite, Melissa’s husband isn’t a millionaire.
i read that he was a hedge fund manager so maybe he is a billionaire…
It’s sad that when something happened, the woman is always the one being labelled and called names like “home wrecker.” People are just too shallow, I’m asking if their marriage is that strong, do you think another person can really wreck that marriage? And do you think a person can clap with just one hand? Why people put all the blame to the woman, what about the man? You mean he’s not at fault? If it’s really true for Charmaine’s case, we are all outsider, we don’t know what is happening. And a person can’t do tango just by himself or herself.
@bloom, It’s definitely true that it takes two to tango. It’s not right to put all the blame on just one person. Men are tempted too. Personally, I have faith in Charmaine and I don’t believe she will do such a thing, especially since HK tabloids have a reputation for blowing things out of proportion.
TVB should copy this idea and turn it into a TV series.
This idea…. I mean this story.
TVB still needs new ideas.
Isn’t it quite typical? An actress is rumoured to have relationship with a married man. Have the same thing in a lot of TVB series.
Not all the gossips are creative.
i personally don’t believe charmaine falls for this married man. it’s not worth sacrificing what she has built all these years for a married man. charmaine has money and she has lots of suitors, whether or not they have chemistry is another thing.
ppl just love to blame the woman but man always get to escape. it’s not fair….
Charmaine, be strong, will always support u. u r always the best.
After the news on man chase rich girls (Joel Chan and Florinda Ho), Next turns to 2 artists in love and cheat (LF-PSS and then Sire-Ron-Kate) and now come back to the old stuff: Rich man and actress. They seriously need new ideas.
Actually it’s a bit newer to talk about rich girls and actors. Not only actresses should be named as gold-digger.
Well done, Charmaine. Just goes to show that she is not only a pretty face to reckon with that the reporters have the audacity to even suggest that she can do a thing like that. Her reaction to the whole distasteful affair goes to indicate quite clearly that there are limits to what they say about her. Although she seems very capable of looking after herself, after all, she is a single woman and especially at this stage could do with a strong strong and loyal male supporter whom she really cares for. It’s easy to say that being rich makes it easy for her to attract anyone she likes but sometimes money itself can be an obstacle. What fine man, young or old, who is far less endowed financially would dare approach her for fear of being labelled as one only after her wealth? It seems quite a problem but Charmaine with all ber charming and winning looks will, I’m sure be able to summount it.
I don’t think Charmaine is THAT rich compared to many other successful actresses. Also, there are many men that are way richer than her so I don’t think she would ever need to worry about not having anyone that doesn’t have as much as her approach her. Since there are many pretty and successful actresses out there, who knows if really really rich men would go for her or not?? SHe is just one of the many many actresses in this field. ALso, she is advancing in age so honestly, would a rich and young guy go after her versus a younger, more talented and prettier actress?? Who knows??
Compare to TVB actresses, she is rich.
“so, there are many men that are way richer than her so I don’t think she would ever need to worry about not having anyone that doesn’t have as much as her approach her.”
But, you will call her a gold-digger and doubt that she marries for love if she marries someone richer than her.
Poor Charmaine (and other equally rich actresses). When she marries someone poorer than her, people say her guy is after her money and calls him ‘eat soft rice’. When she marries someone richer than her, they call her a gold-digger and say she’s after his money. If she marries someone within the circle who made roughly the same as her, some people still have problem with it.
Such limited choice she has.
@Kidd, If there was a “like” button like there is on Facebook, I would totally like your comment. Jayne should add a button like that. 😀
She has one choice: Ignore to live.
It’s hard to satisfy everyone.
Agree with Kidd’s comment. Either way, she’s in a tough situation. Either the guy will look bad if he is not a rich man who makes more than her, or she will look like a golddigger if she marries someone richer than her. She makes quite a bit herself, usually the highest paid TVB actress, so someone that makes more than her would probably need to be a millionaire or businessman.
If she marries someone within the circle, netizens will either like her partner or hate her partner and compare who is more popular or makes more money, etc, or if they end up with rumors with another co-star. If she marries someone normal outside the circle, honestly, that would be difficult because if I was a regular working class man, I would feel intimidated to pursue her because of insecurity.
@Kidd,
Maybe she is a gold digger, who really knows that besides her?? You have to nit pick everything I say or anyone says. You must a lot of time on your hands…..
@HTS, Charmaine claimed in the interview that money isn’t the most important in the relationship she is seeking. If her own words are not enough to be evidence and proof that she isn’t a gold-digger, then please let me know what is. You seem to have a bias towards any actress who marries or even meets the wealthy. So Charmaine have to end up marrying someone who makes less money than her in order to not be labeled as a gold-digger?
You tend to say, “I’m not talking about everyone, ok?” The problem is, the article here is about Charmaine? Why always carry the conversation so far?
@ HTS: So what you will say if Charmaine gets married with a poorer man (than her)?
Maybe there is someone who views her as a challenge since she has yet to throw herself into the path of any rich guys from what I can observe. She may have earlier in her career but not recently. As a rich guy I certainly would opt for someone with a good reputation, earns her own money and is famous. It isn’t about younger, more talented, or prettier. It is about trophies.
I also want to say I don’t care…. It is her life so she can do what she wants… I am not a fan of hers anyways…
Charmaine is doing very well as an actress in terms of income. Sometimes when you have reached that level you can’t marry anyone beneath, in terms of income as well. My prediction is either she upgrades and marries rich (as in very rich), marry fellow actor or she marries someone much younger where obviously she earns more.
Anyway all these are speculations anyway. Right now she can’t be labelled as a gold digger unless she does some “digging” and so far haven’t seen evidence of that. The last I checked, there is nothing wrong with digging into own income to spend own well deservedly earned money.
You’ve kinda jumped the gun on this one.