Hongkong Star Edison Chen in Suicide Bid Claim

HONG KONG heartthrob Edison Chen has reportedly attempted suicide after partially nude images of him with several starlets started circulating in the Internet.

In a scandal that has dominated Hong Kong headlines last week, at least 10 suggestive photos posted online seemed to show Chen, singer-actress Gillian Chung, former actress-singer Bobo Chan and actress Cecilia Cheung.

The images are believed to have been copied from Chen's computer when it was serviced at Elite Multi Media Shop in the Central district.

China Press said yesterday that the singer-actor became depressed over the issue and avoided food lately.

He had also reportedly confined himself to his home in the United States, where he fled to after the controversy erupted.

The daily said Chen’s image hit rock bottom after the scandal came to light.

Several companies which had sought Chen’s endorsement for their products have also terminated their contracts with the star.

Chen had apologised, calling the postings of the photographs 'intentionally hurtful and malicious'.

In a one-minute video statement released to the media through a law firm, the 27-year old urged all who were still in possession of the images to destroy them immediately.

Police arrested six men and two women over the case last week.

A 23-year old man was charged last Tuesday with acessing a computer with criminal or dishonest intent in 2006, said Sing Tao Daily. But he denied he was the source of the photos.

He was released on bail of HK$50,000 (S$9,000) and will go on trial on Feb 22. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Source: TheStar Online