The entertainment industry never runs out of news, yet some stories still manage to raise eyebrows every time they resurface.
Recently, at the birthday party of TVB executive Lok Yi-ling, 72-year-old Eric Tsang once again became the center of attention. Not because of an extravagant gift or a memorable quote, but due to a photo of him with 25-year-old host Tang Kai-wan that sent social media into a frenzy.
In the picture, Tang is half-squatting between Eric’s legs, her body pressed close, smiling brightly, while Eric casually wraps his arm around her shoulder and flashes a peace sign. Such a pose would be unusual even for close family members, let alone colleagues.
Some brushed it off as just part of Hong Kong’s entertainment culture, calling it “open and casual,” but others scoffed, pointing out Eric Tsang’s notorious history—remarking how his past scandals all seemed to start with “innocent jokes” or “misunderstandings.”
One Photo, Nationwide Controversy
What should have been a private TVB gathering quickly became a hot topic after that photo surfaced online. Tang Kai-wan, wearing a short skirt, is half-kneeling in front of Eric, her body nearly touching his thigh. Eric’s hand rests naturally on her shoulder. Though both are smiling, viewers couldn’t help but interpret the pose as suggestive.
Digging into Tang’s background, she was a top 10 finalist in the 2023 Miss Hong Kong pageant and had only recently joined TVB before becoming a host on one of their programs. Such a rapid rise in the fiercely competitive entertainment world sparked speculation.
Eric Tsang, as TVB’s general manager, holds significant sway over resources and opportunities. For aspiring newcomers, currying favor with him could be the quickest path to advancement.
Tang later liked the controversial photo but didn’t offer any explanation. Eric responded by saying they were simply posing as the photographer instructed. However, netizens were far from convinced: “Would a photographer really ask you to hug so tightly? Or get that close?”
Eric Tsang’s Troubled Past Is No Secret
The uproar stems largely from Eric’s long history of scandals.
Though not tall or especially handsome in his youth, Eric was infamous for his womanizing. Back in 1990 during the filming of Angel Warriors, rumors surfaced that he crossed boundaries with a female co-star, something he later vaguely admitted on a show.
In 2018, a posthumous interview with actress Lan Jieying accused Eric of sexual assault. Although no legal verdict followed, public opinion quickly condemned him.
Even more unsettling are Eric’s blatant disregard for boundaries. In 2008, during a variety show, he publicly pulled down a female artist’s pants. In 2022, at his own birthday party, he kissed young model Li Bala on the lips, calling it a “birthday blessing.” And in 2024, at an awards ceremony, he touched actress Hai Qing’s face without consent, leaving her visibly uncomfortable.
Each time, Eric dismisses these incidents as jokes or misunderstandings, but after so many episodes, few believe him anymore.
The Entertainment Industry’s “Big Boss” Culture Needs to End
What looks like individual misconduct actually reveals a deeper issue—the power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
Hong Kong’s entertainment scene is full of “big bosses” like Eric who control resources. For newcomers hoping to break through, learning to “please” these figures is often an unspoken necessity. Eric himself once admitted, “There are certain rules you must understand in this circle,” meaning that compliance is key to success.
But such unwritten “rules” have long outlived their time. Today’s audience, especially the younger generation, despises these hidden deals and favors talent that speaks through work rather than connections.
No matter how impressive Eric’s acting achievements—he’s won multiple Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards—his reputation is overshadowed by these personal flaws. Many online commentators put it bluntly: “Talent is talent, character is character—don’t confuse the two.”
Tang Kai-wan’s Position: Choice or Compulsion?
Tang’s reaction to the controversy is telling. She didn’t protest or show displeasure; in fact, she liked the photo afterwards.
Some criticized her for lacking self-respect or accused her of desperate ambition. Others questioned whether she even had a choice—refusing a powerful figure like Eric might have jeopardized her career entirely.
This harsh reality reflects a troubling truth: newcomers often lack power against industry veterans who can make or break their futures. Whether Tang cooperated willingly or felt pressured remains unknown, but the situation itself demands reflection.
Eric Tsang’s Declining Image: The Public Has Had Enough
At 72, Eric should be regarded as a respected elder. Instead, his public image is worsening.
Beyond his scandals, reports have linked him to questionable activities, like celebrating with notorious criminal figures and promoting counterfeit products online. Public sentiment has shifted from tolerance to frustration.
This latest photo controversy may well be the final straw. Audiences are waking up to the fact that no matter how skilled an actor is, poor character cannot be ignored.
The Entertainment Industry’s Facade Must Be Torn Down
That photo of Eric and Tang exposes the industry’s darkest sides—unequal power, pervasive exploitation, and the objectification of women.
Viewers have long grown weary of the so-called “big boss culture.” What people crave is genuine artistry and fair competition, not stars who climb the ladder by currying favor.
Eric Tsang’s history may only be the tip of the iceberg, but every revelation serves as a wake-up call: it’s time for a thorough overhaul of the entertainment world.
