Please back off and leave Chai-yan alone: Mother's message to media after slaps in Hong Kong street

The wife of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying urged the media today to give their eldest daughter, Leung Chai-yan, more room as the 24-year-old needed rest.

Regina Tong Ching-yee was responding to a weekend drama that saw her photographed being slapped twice in the face on a Central street by her daughter – decked out in ghoulish attire and make-up for Halloween festivities.

Tong was speaking after officiating at an award ceremony for disabled students.

The open altercation occurred as Tong was helping her daughter board a taxi to leave the packed scene early on Sunday, according to a number of videos posted online.

When asked how she felt about the slapping, Tong said she believed her daughter was “tipsy” at the time and had no intention of offending anyone.

She also said there was “pushing” in the crowd amid chaos caused by up to 50 reporters surrounding Chai-yan and her friends.

“What Chai-yan wanted to do was to protect her friends and not let them be pictured by the media,” Tong said. “Chai-yan is a kind-hearted girl. She is keen to protect her friends.