Former Manager Releases Recording on Social Media
Controversy Grows Despite Lee's Denial: "It's Not My Voice"
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee (25), who is active in China, has recently been identified online as the person behind a controversial "anti-Chinese audio recording," sparking outrage among local netizens. Although Lee has strongly denied the allegations, stating, "I never said such things," netizens continue to harbor suspicions toward her.
On May 10 (local time), the Singapore Straits Times reported, "Actress Eleanor Lee (25) has been accused of being the person behind a recently circulated anti-Chinese audio recording online, and it is claimed that she has been removed from the cast list of the Chinese historical drama 'Legendary Journey.'
The controversy began when a person identified as Lee's former manager released a 31-second audio file on social media. The recording features a woman's voice saying things like, "I'm doing this for money, not for honor," and "Most Chinese people are stupid." However, it has not been confirmed whether the woman's voice in the audio file actually belongs to Lee.
After hearing the audio file, Chinese netizens lashed out at Lee. They expressed strong reactions such as, "She should be expelled from China," "This is unbearable," "I never want to see her in dramas again," "If she hates China, why is she working here?" "She's arrogant," and "Apologize immediately." Some netizens even demanded that Lee leave China altogether.
As the controversy grew, Lee responded by asserting that the voice in question was not hers. On May 10, through her Instagram account, she said, "I was deeply shocked when I heard the audio file," and emphasized, "I never said such things." She added, "I was born in China and moved to Singapore at the age of 16. Now that I am 26, I've spent almost half my life in China," and explained, "I've received many opportunities and much help here, and I've been able to shine while doing what I love. I only have affection and gratitude for this land."
Lee's Chinese agency also announced plans for legal action, stating, "The audio file circulating online is a fabricated, fake recording." In a statement, the agency said, "It has been confirmed that some netizens have been maliciously spreading false information about Lee, seriously damaging her reputation and causing serious issues in her personal and professional life." The agency further stated, "We will protect our rights and interests through legal means against those who continue to spread rumors, and we will never tolerate it."
However, despite these explanations, local netizens continue to respond with comments such as, "I can never believe her," "It is definitely Lee's voice," "Show evidence that it was fabricated," and "She should be expelled from China," so the controversy shows no sign of subsiding.
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