HONG KONG — Veteran Hong Kong television producer Robert Chua has ignited a heated online debate after showcasing his wife’s extensive collection of vintage fur coats, setting his public image in stark contrast with that of his niece, renowned animal advocate and actress Jessica Hsuan. The controversy underscores the generational divide and shifting public morality surrounding animal welfare and luxury fashion.
The incident unfolded recently when the 79-year-old producer, often dubbed the “Father of Enjoy Yourself Tonight,” posted a series of photographs on Instagram depicting his wife, Peggy, a former TVB executive, sorting through numerous fur garments. The images showed coats—made from materials identified by Chua as old collar fox and mink—laid out across drying racks, ostensibly in the garden of their luxury residence. The collection, accumulated over several decades, featured various styles and colors, with some pieces strikingly bearing intact animal heads and paws.
Chua’s accompanying caption noted that his wife was “happily” airing the collection before selecting several pieces to “give away to our good friends.”
The prominent display of animal pelts quickly drew heavy criticism from social media users, who widely condemned the act as insensitive and cruel, regardless of the age of the garments. Critics argued that promoting or gifting real fur, even vintage items, perpetuates a problematic industry and normalizes the mistreatment of animals.
The reaction was particularly sharp when juxtaposed against the actions of Chua’s niece, Jessica Hsuan. Known for her passionate commitment to animal protection, the 53-year-old actress recently offered temporary shelter for pets displaced by a devastating fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, highlighting her deep concern for animal welfare.
Netizens were quick to point out the dramatic divergence in values between the two family members. Many expressed hope that Hsuan might influence her relatives, reiterating the sentiment that “wearing old fur doesn’t mean it’s not cruel” and that reducing the promotion of such items is the most ethical approach.
The controversy also reignited discussion about the ethical sourcing of fur products. While some manufacturers claim modern methods involve no animal harm, numerous reports have exposed that even items marketed as “humane” often originate from fur farms with severely poor conditions, raising serious concerns about animal abuse. Critics emphasized that regardless of whether the fur is new or decades old, the decision to proudly display or distribute it sends a negative message supporting the commercial exploitation of animals.
Experts suggest that the public backlash reflects a growing global trend toward ethical consumption and the prioritization of animal rights over traditional luxury. As public awareness of the conditions on fur farms increases, many consumers and public figures are consciously rejecting real fur, increasingly opting for sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives.
The incident serves as a high-profile example of how even archived items can ignite contemporary ethical debates, placing pressure on public figures to align their actions with evolving societal expectations regarding animal welfare.