Edison Chen photo scandal

Who? Hong Kong actor.

Real? The photos are real. No videos from Chen’s computer have emerged, as far as I can tell.

Hong Kong actor Edison Chen liked to photograph his sexual liaisons. In late 2007, he took his computer to a repair shop, where an employee (later identified as Sze Ho-chun) discovered and copied more than 1000 photographs showing Chen with various women. Some of the women were also famous HK pop culture figures, including Gillian Chung and Cecilia Cheung.

In early 2008, the sex photos started leaking to the internet, sparking a huge scandal throughout China and beyond. The photos circulated widely via the internet and street vendors, and authorities were aggressive in trying to block distribution. Chen and his photographed lovers faced public shaming and lost work.

More detailed accounts of this scandal for English readers: Wikipedia, Edison Chen photo scandal; Wall Street Journal, ‘Sexy Photo Gate’ Mesmerizes Hong Kong, China and Sparks Police Crackdown, Backlash.

Several accounts of the Edison Chen scandal have cited leaked videos as well as photos. As far as I can tell, the stolen laptop stash contained only photos. Every “Edison Chen video” I’ve found online has turned out to be a montage of still photos. Barring further revelations, there is no Edison Chen sex tape as part of this scandal.