Actress Eleanor Lee denies derogatory remarks about Chinese nationals after leaked audio sparks backlash
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has denied making derogatory remarks about Chinese nationals after a leaked audio clip allegedly featuring her voice went viral. The 26-year-old, who has built her career in China, insisted the recording was fabricated and pledged legal action against false claims.
- An alleged audio recording of Eleanor Lee insulting Chinese nationals went viral on Weibo, sparking backlash.
- Lee denied the remarks, saying the recording was fabricated, and her studio vowed legal action against rumour spreaders.
- Her upcoming drama The Journey of Legend may be affected, as reports suggest her name has been removed from the cast list.
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee (李凯馨) has publicly denied accusations that she insulted Chinese nationals, after a 31-second audio clip allegedly featuring her voice drew sharp criticism online.
On 10 May, Lee issued statements across Instagram, Weibo, and Facebook, calling the recording fake and stressing her gratitude towards China, where she has lived and worked for much of her career.
Audio clip surfaces online
The controversy began when a user claiming to be Lee’s former assistant posted the audio on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
In the clip, a woman’s voice could be heard complaining about negative publicity and saying she was motivated “not for fame, but for money”. The voice added: “Most people in China are idiots. All that matters is that there are movies to be filmed and money to be made.”
The remarks sparked outrage among Chinese netizens, many of whom accused Lee of disrespecting the country where she built her acting career.
Lee’s response
Lee strongly rejected the claims, saying the voice in the audio was not hers.
“I’m sorry to have caused so much controversy and taken up public resources. I was very shocked when I heard the recording. This was definitely not what I said,” she wrote.
Lee emphasised her personal and professional ties to China. “I was born in China and returned to the country when I was 16. As I turn 26 this year, I have spent almost half of my life in China.
“I have received many opportunities and help here, and I can shine in a career I like. I only have love and gratitude for this land, and I will never waver in my position on any issues concerning China,” she said.
She added that her team delayed the response to verify the facts, hoping to provide “a satisfactory answer”.
Official studio statement
Alongside Lee’s personal clarification, her studio released a formal statement condemning the spread of what it described as false information.
The statement said malicious rumours had “severely damaged” Lee’s reputation, disrupted her life and work, and created “toxic” effects on society.
The studio urged individuals spreading the audio to delete the content and warned that legal action would be taken against those who persisted.
“For those who refuse to stop infringement or continue to spread rumours, we will protect our rights according to the law and will not tolerate them,” the statement read.
It also called on netizens to verify information rationally and avoid amplifying misinformation.
Career impact
The controversy comes at a critical point in Lee’s career. She first rose to prominence in 2015 after starring in an Apple China advertisement directed by Ann Hui. She later studied at the Beijing Film Academy and appeared in multiple Chinese dramas, including Solaso Bistro (2017), My Poseidon (2019), and My Love, Enlighten Me (2020).
Her film roles include playing Nie Xiaoqian in The Enchanting Phantom (2020), a remake of A Chinese Ghost Story.
Most recently, Lee was cast in the upcoming Chinese period drama The Journey of Legend, adapted from a novel by Woon Swee Oan. She was expected to play Tang Fang opposite Cheng Yi and Gulnazar Bextiyar.
However, reports suggest her name has since been removed from the drama’s official cast list. The production wrapped in October 2024, but has not yet announced a broadcast date. Industry observers say the controversy may affect the series’ release.
Wider reaction
Public reaction in China remains mixed, with some netizens calling for calm until verification is complete, while others demand accountability.
The case highlights the risks faced by foreign-born celebrities working in China, where public opinion can shift rapidly and allegations — even unproven ones — can have immediate career consequences.
Lee has said she hopes to rebuild public trust through her actions and has welcomed ongoing scrutiny.
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