Luxury show organiser denies Sanya 'romp' rumours

The organiser of a luxury lifestyle and yachting tradeshow attempted to dispel rumours on Thursday that a “romp” involving high-profile celebrities had occurred during the four-day event in the resort town of Sanya.

Rumours and photos began spreading on Wednesday of a “debaucherous party”, involving several high-profile celebrities sometime during the annual Hainan Rendez-Vous 2013 yacht and lifestyle show (March 30- April 2).

“In recent days, false reports have been spread online by a small number of groups and individuals, aimed at maliciously spreading information unrelated to the company,” a statement released by the organiser and published by Sina News said on Thursday.

“Online rumours being spread wildly at the moment labelled ‘Sanya sea and sun feast’ and other related events are false information. Hainan Rendez-Vous has never organised or authorised such activities.”

Several mainland celebrities were allegedly photographed at the parties and the images soon began circulating on the internet. Many of them took to social media to deny the rumours, Sina reported.

Among the rumoured attendees to the show were millionaire Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei – husband of Taiwanese model-actress Barbie Hsu.

Wang dismissed claims that he was at the event as “groundless rumours”. On Weibo, he said was in Taiwan during the stated period and posted screen shots from his mobile phone as evidence. Other stars also took to social media to clear up accusations.

“Time will tell, and the truth will be known: my family is the most important component in my life…we hope to live a life under sunshine not haze,” Wang said on his weibo account.

According to the rumours, police had “raided” the site of the romp and demanded the participants take urine tests for drugs, according to Sina. Sanya city police could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Hainan Rendez-Vous, which is in its fourth year, is a luxury lifestyle tradeshow targeting high-net-worth individuals and business leaders. The event hosts the mainland’s largest yacht show and also showcases business jets, luxury property and other luxury brands.

Last year’s event drew more than 20,000 people, up from 5,600 in 2010. It is primarily used as a networking event for the wealthy and is attended by many of China’s fuerdai (rich second generation).

According to the organiser’s Facebook page, the event is famous for “drawing some of the wealthiest individuals from the greater China region, many dozen of whom are flown to and from the island on private jets”.

The organiser’s website could not be accessed on Thursday afternoon.