Please back off and leave Chai-yan alone: Mother's message to media after slaps in Hong Kong street
The wife of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying urged the media today to give their eldest daughter, Leung Chai-yan, more room as the 24-year-old needed rest.
Regina Tong Ching-yee was responding to a weekend drama that saw her photographed being slapped twice in the face on a Central street by her daughter – decked out in ghoulish attire and make-up for Halloween festivities.
Tong was speaking after officiating at an award ceremony for disabled students.
The open altercation occurred as Tong was helping her daughter board a taxi to leave the packed scene early on Sunday, according to a number of videos posted online.
She also said there was “pushing” in the crowd amid chaos caused by up to 50 reporters surrounding Chai-yan and her friends.
“What Chai-yan wanted to do was to protect her friends and not let them be pictured by the media,” Tong said. “Chai-yan is a kind-hearted girl. She is keen to protect her friends.
“I believe she had no intention of offending anyone with her behaviour that evening.”
Read more: 'Nightmare at Lan Kwai Fong: Leung Chai-yan slaps her mother twice in Halloween street tantrum
In the videos, Chai-yan was recorded as telling the crowd: “You know this mum is not my actual biological mother.”
Tong did not comment on this statement.
Chai-yan’s friends had called her to the scene to help after they had difficulty leaving, she said.
But chaos set in immediately when she arrived in a car. She said up to 50 reporters surrounded her vehicle, with some even trying to open a door and rush in.
“What I want to say is … no matter how unhappy you are about the status quo and the current political system, Chai-yan is innocent. And so are her friends,” she said.
“Please do not disturb her, especially in her private activities. Her emotions … She needs rest.”
