A protracted legal conflict between prominent Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung and her former management agency intensified last week in the High Court, culminating in a dramatic courtroom scene as the defendant expressed distress over the demanding cross-examination process. The long-running dispute, initiated in 2020, centers on allegations that Cheung failed to fulfill contractual obligations tied to a substantial upfront payment for a series of film projects.
The current stage of the high-stakes lawsuit commenced on December 3rd in Hong Kong. Cheung is being sued by Asia Entertainment Group (AEG) Limited and her former manager, Yu Yuk Hing, who are seeking compensation exceeding HK$12 million (approximately S$2.2 million) for alleged damages and losses. The claim posits that Cheung received an advance of HK$41.76 million (approximately S$6.94 million) intended for her participation in four movies but subsequently breached the management agreement by not fulfilling her commitments.
Tense December Court Appearance
On Monday morning, December 8th, the 45-year-old actress arrived at the courthouse wrapped in a coat, sunglasses, and a mask. While she offered polite greetings to the assembled media, observers noted visible tension in her demeanor, particularly as she frequently reviewed case documents in the lobby.
Inside the courtroom, Cheung took the witness stand. Sources indicated that before the proceedings began, she appeared fatigued, exhibiting signs of weariness such as yawning and briefly closing her eyes. Her personal assistant reportedly provided her with a can of cola in an apparent effort to maintain alertness.
The cross-examination quickly grew contentious as the plaintiff’s legal representative rigorously questioned the actress regarding the specifics of the alleged contractual breach. While Cheung repeatedly responded with firm declarations of “I don’t remember,” she also frequently attempted to rebut the lawyer’s points or deviated from the central topic of inquiry.
Judicial Intervention and Breakdown
The repeated off-topic responses prompted an intervention from the presiding judge, who instructed Cheung to listen attentively and limit her answers strictly to “agree” or “disagree,” explicitly advising her against questioning the opposing counsel.
As the persistent questioning continued, Cheung became overwhelmed, leading to an emotional breakdown on the stand. Tearfully, she reportedly exclaimed, “I haven’t slept in two days. This is very unfair to me. The media is putting me under pressure. None of this is true!”
The intensity of the outburst led the judge to momentarily halt the proceedings. The judge reportedly offered a moment of comfort while explaining that the rigorous nature of the questions was necessary to establish clarity, a need compounded by her earlier non-responsive statements. After regaining her composure, Cheung confirmed her willingness to continue with the testimony.
Core of the Defense
Regarding the central element of the dispute—the contractual arrangements—Cheung asserted that she was not personally responsible for managing these business agreements. She testified that her entire portfolio of contract negotiations and related matters were consistently handled by her long-time personal assistant and manager, Emily Chow.
The outcome of this high-profile case could set a significant precedent within the highly scrutinized Hong Kong entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of clear delineation of responsibilities between artists and their management teams regarding financial commitments and contractual fulfillment. Litigation is expected to continue as both sides present evidence to support their respective claims.