Gigi Chao
The daughter of billionaire tycoon Cecil Chao Sze-tsung, Gigi Chao shot to fame last year when her father publicly offered $500 million to any man able to woo her—after she had already married her long-term girlfriend Sean Eav. She talks to Andrea Lo about her view on Dad’s globally buzzed-about call for suitors and her relationship with her parents, as well as her opinion on gay rights.
I never expected the incident to escalate to an international level.
After my father made the announcement, I didn’t have a reaction for about two weeks. I couldn’t really understand it. Then I suppose the first reaction really only came later, when I realized how lucky I was to have such a loving father.
I really appreciate the breadth and depth of my father’s socioeconomic shrewdness.
There have been so many marriage proposals [since Cecil Chao put forth the incentive]. But to be honest, I think I’m just so last year now. I’m completely a thing of the past. There are plenty of other rich and boyfriend-less Chinese heiresses out there who are receiving marriage proposals.
If you see someone male, romantic and good-looking, you can say to them, “Who are you proposing to? Gigi Chao? That’s so last year!”
My relationship with my parents has its ups and downs. I have really gotten closer to both my mom and dad, but it’s going to take them a while to accept my other half.