'Chinese need control' quote taken out of context by self-serving press, Chan says

Action star Jackie Chan, who got into hot water for his 'Chinese people need to be controlled' comment last month, shrugged off the widespread criticism, saying he was 'incorrectly quoted by some press'.

Turning up for a function at a fitness club in Kowloon Bay yesterday, Jackie Chan appeared to be in a good mood as he shared health tips and took part in aerobic exercises with club members.

Referring to the controversial comments he made at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province , Chan said some papers had quoted him out of context.

'I'm used to that. Some papers always do this. They are just not reliable. I believe the public can tell what is true and what is false,' said Chan, without clarifying how his words had been distorted by the press.

The Hong Kong-born action star provoked widespread anger after he said in a panel discussion at the forum that too much freedom could lead to chaotic societies like Hong Kong - and that Chinese people needed to be controlled.

His remarks triggered strong condemnation in Hong Kong. Some demanded that he withdraw his words and make a public apology, while some even called for a boycott of Chan's films in the city.