Angry fans confront late Hong Kong pop diva Coco Lee’s husband Bruce Rockowitz at crematorium
- Fans surround Canadian businessman at Cape Collinson Crematorium, with some yelling ‘you have no conscience’
- Rockowitz, who was squeezed in the middle of the crowd, did not respond to the comments
A solemn final farewell in Hong Kong for beloved singer Coco Lee on Tuesday descended into scenes of chaos as distraught fans confronted the late pop diva’s husband, taking out their pain and angst on Bruce Rockowitz.
Several fans surrounded Rockowitz at the Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan as he was being escorted by security guards and police, with some shouting “give me back my Coco” at the Canadian businessman.
Coco Lee supporters emotional as second and final funeral service in Hong Kong ends
The singer died on July 5 after attempting suicide on July 2, according to Lee’s family, who said she had been diagnosed with depression a few years ago, but her condition had deteriorated over the past few months.
The fans yelled “you have no conscience” as Rockowitz left the crematorium and was about to enter his black seven-seater.
Rockowitz, who was squeezed in the middle of the crowd, did not respond to the accusations. He later told the Post the accusations were untrue and noted they had been in a 20-year relationship.
The emotionally charged scene followed a peaceful funeral service held earlier in the day, with hundreds of fans bidding farewell to the pop star before her remains were taken for cremation.
The private funeral service, held at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, was attended by family, friends and 200 fans.
Lin Meishu, 40, from Zhengzhou province, was among hundreds of fans gathered outside the funeral home to bid farewell to the pop star.
“I believe [me and Lee] will be sisters in our next lives. I’m very sad because we were only together for such a short time,” the retail worker said, referring to how Lee was only 48 when she died.
Another fan, Li Ming, was seen crying across the road from the funeral parlour as the hearse made its way to the crematorium. She said she was too upset to shout anything.
“It was a really moving moment, I still can’t believe she has gone,” the 34-year-old sales executive said.
Li, who travelled to the city from Shaanxi province, was also among the 200 fans who were allowed to attend the private funeral service.
“I got here a little after 8am,” Li said with tears streaming down her face. “When I was inside, it was like my heart shattered.”
The private service, which began at around 10.20am, opened with three immediate family members of Lee bowing in front of her coffin. This included the pop star’s two older sisters, Nancy and Carol Lee.
Coco Lee supporters emotional as second and final funeral service in Hong Kong ends
Attendees were then asked to lower their heads in a moment of silence, while eight pallbearers assigned by the family bowed in front of the coffin.
Those accompanying the coffin included her brother-in-law Billy Ho, singer Jenny Tseng, two close friends, Warner Music Asia co-president Jonathan Serbin and one of Lee’s fans, Yang Yang.
As the pallbearers began their march with the coffin, Tseng and Ho were at the front, with Lee’s sisters following behind holding a portrait of the late singer. Cries were heard as the coffin was escorted out of the venue.
The group later posed for pictures in front of the funeral home with a portrait of Lee, with the singer’s two sisters later spotted having an emotional conversation with pallbearers Tseng and Taiwanese lyricist and talent scout Yao Chien.
Singer Coco Lee deserves official recognition in Hong Kong, sister says
Lee began her singing career at age 18 after returning to Hong Kong in 1993 to take part in TVB’s New Talent Singing Awards, claiming the first runner-up spot for her performance of Whitney Houston’s “Run to You”, which landed her a recording contract.
She performed “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s award-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at the Oscars in 2001, becoming the first Chinese singer to be signed by Sony Music globally and the first – and only – artist of her nationality to perform at the annual awards.
