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Sexual harassment and assault
Opinion

Hong Kong Sevens kisses fail to score with all fans

Unwelcome embrace of i-Cable reporter by revellers stresses need to respect fellow spectators and to ensure others are allowed to enjoy the annual party

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i-Cable TV sports reporter Diamond Kwok was kissed by two men without her consent as she was working during the Rugby Sevens 2018. Photo: Twitter
SCMP Editorial
A kiss is just a kiss, according to the lyrics of a famous song. But when the embrace is not welcome, it can amount to indecent assault. This issue has been the subject of much debate following the non-consensual kissing of i-Cable news reporter Diamond Kwok Hoi-yee by two men during a live broadcast at the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament.

Kwok was kissed on either cheek by the two spectators at the same time. She looked embarrassed, raised her arms to separate herself from the men, and later said she found their conduct unacceptable. She is right. It should not have happened.

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Much of the success of the Sevens is due to the freewheeling atmosphere enjoyed by fans in Hong Kong Stadium during the event.

It is an opportunity to let your hair down, dress in a silly costume, have a drink or two (or maybe more), sing, dance, cheer, boo, and generally have fun.

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Anyone who attends should be prepared for such revelry. That is the spirit of the Sevens.

But it does not mean that anything goes. There is a need to respect fellow spectators and to ensure that one person’s fun does not spoil the party for others.

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