Despite Political Tensions, Ali Lee Denies Being Frozen by TVB
Hong Kong has been the stage for much political upheaval as of late. While many celebrities chose to remain silent on the matter, Ali Lee (李佳芯) boldly voiced her stance for pro-democracy and encouraged Hong Kong citizens to continue to uphold their civic duties. Her political standpoint was met with much criticism from Mainland Chinese netizens, which allegedly led to her being frozen by TVB.
Ali responded, “In regards to the accusations made by the media, those two words [being frozen] have never been in my mind or my heart. It hasn’t before and it hasn’t now.” Many Hong Kong netizens left words of encouragement on Ali’s social media.
Ali’s Dramas Put on Hold
The issue, though, has not seemed to settle. Recent news claimed that TVB has decided to shelve the drama, Assassin <殺手>, in which Ali stars alongside TV Kings Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) and Moses Chan (陳豪). Wayne, when asked about his viewpoint on the matter, responded, “I currently do not know when the drama will air. I only know that the drama’s airing rights have been sold to a Mainland Chinese television platform. I assume it will be aired simultaneously in both Hong Kong and China. It should be soon.”
In addition to Assassin, both Who Wants a Baby 2 <BB來了2> and Legal Mavericks 2 <踩過界2>, which also star Ali, are rumored to be shelved as well. Similar to how Jacqueline Wong’s (黃心穎) dramas were handled after her scandal, it is alleged that Ali will be replaced and her scenes will be re-filmed as well.
Fellow actor Lai Lok Yi (黎諾懿) expressed that he is not aware of any changes in roles or whether Ali’s scenes will be re-shot. He said, “Because both dramas have conflicting air dates, Who Wants a Baby 2 will be pushed back to February 2020.”
Ali Claims She’s Not Frozen by TVB
Ali, who was recently spotted filming outdoor scenes for the upcoming drama, Amelia’s Rhapsody <愛美麗狂想>, was approached and asked about her current status. “I haven’t heard of Assassin or Who Wants a Baby 2 being shelved or replacing my character. According to what reports are saying, it seems like I’m being a frozen? But I am still currently working and filming Amelia’s Rhapsody. If I really were being frozen, then I wouldn’t continue filming. I don’t think I am, but it is possible that we film a drama and the company decides not to air it.”
On whether she will continue to actively post on social media, Ali said, “Sometimes, I am too tired after work. I just randomly share about my work and thoughts and feelings. I don’t think too much into it. I will only continue to work hard on the projects at hand and let my company handle it.”
Source: HK01
This article is written by Huynh for JayneStars.com.
I hope she’s not frozen because I don’t think her actions were wrong (though I understand it’s more than my opinion on whether or not her actions were wrong). Also, I don’t see how her character would be replaced for BB來了2 since she was so central to the plot/drama, but I mean anything is plausible. Again, I hope her being frozen isn’t the case.
Regardless of right or wrong, it’s sad to see that their freedom of speech is already being impeded.
@aidenchan
Learn the differences. HK’s freedom of speech is not impeded. As a citizen, you can say what you want to say within limits. As a public figure and a TVB artist, company rules are that you can’t discuss politically sensitive issues but she did so she needs to bear the consequences. TVB has always been like this so there’s no surprise here. She is a public figure, not your average office lady so she doesn’t have the same freedom like the rest do.
@anon how about all the other non-public facing TVB staff who are not front line, yet being penalized for partaking in demonstration activities outside of work?
@aidenchan
Don’t be confused with rioting for protesting. Rioting is not the same as protesting. Those who are rioting have their jobs suspended or terminated which I am totally for.
In the US, if you riot, you would be met with bullets and deaths. What great freedom and democracy. /s
@anon would be interesting to see where some of these pro-B commenters are originally from, and where they are currently living