Twins Gillian Chung Victimized by Spying Paparazzis

(Credits to Karazen Staff and Min Lee of Canadian Press)

HONG KONG (AP) Aug 24, 2006 - The cover of a Hong Kong magazine that shows a photo of a local pop star adjusting her bra while changing backstage has stirred an outcry, with critics denouncing the display as despicable.

The current issue of Easy Finder magazine shows Gillian Chung of the Hong Kong female pop duo Twins fixing her bra backstage at a concert at the Malaysian entertainment resort of Genting last week. Her breast is not revealed. The second, smaller cover photo shows Chung naked shoulder up. The headline reads, "Ah Kiu releases bra near back window," using Chung's Chinese nickname.

The voyeuristic photo has drawn protests from the government, editorialists, journalists and members of the public who filed hundreds of complaints against the cover to government regulators. Easy Finder didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

The exact situation remains unclear, what’s confirmed is that a hidden pinhole camera was planted in the changing room for TWINS concert in Genting Highland, and pictures were taken of Gillian naked without her knowing it.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association said in a statement the photos violated professional ethics and "seriously" violated personal privacy. "The association believes reporters should respect personal reputation and privacy. They should avoid violating privacy when reporting on a subject's private life without his or her consent," the statement said.

The respected Ming Pao Daily News said in an editorial Thursday the cover "can only be described as dirty and obscene." "These magazines, for the sake of galvanizing readers and spike circulation, have stooped to a level where they use illegitimate means, and anything goes," it wrote.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong was quoted as saying in Ming Pao, "taking photos secretly is always wrong." "The wording in magazines is getting increasingly obscene and gross," Wong told a private gathering with reporters.

Chung's record label EEG is seeking legal advice, it said in a statement.

Hong Kong's in-your-face paparazzi tactics have drawn fire before. Eastweek magazine was shut down amid the backlash after publishing on its cover a photo of a visibly distressed, seminude female star, widely reported to be Carina Lau, in October 2002.

http://www.karazen.com/news/2006/AUG/gillian_08_22.php

Sometimes, people don't know what their limitations are. When I read this article, I felt pissed off at whoever took those pictures since it was a complete violation of one's privacy. Gillian Chung, whom was mentioned in this blog earlier, or at least seen, starred in the movie, House of Fury. So at least I was bit familiar of her when emphatizing, since if anyone would experience anything like this, celebrity or not, I am pretty sure they would be mortified.

People just love gossip and probably our love for gossip is what amplifies the entertainment magazines to resort to these obscene measures. People are waiting for something to stir up their lives and make it more interesting, but I hope that this predicament won't ever happen again. I have heard celebrities saying that rumors and gossip are the lower-end to their bargain but having the paparazzi while you're naked isn't such a bonus. Good thing there are people, most of them are fans, who sympathize with Gillian. Thanks to their efforts in leading a petition, the pictures were put down at least and legal actions are still being discussed. So I hope that Ms. Gillian Chung will receive due justice. So beware of changing rooms with windows!