Celebrities in Hong Kong and abroad react to Occupy Central
Canto-pop singer Denise Ho speaking in Admiralty on Saturday.[Updated]
In a telephone interview with local media on Wednesday night, movie actor Chow Yun-fat said, “It’s very brave and touching that citizens and students are fighting for what they believe in… I don’t want to see either side get hurt, students are struggling rationally, wisely and peacefully. You don’t need to use violent tear gas. You have to resolve the problem first, you can’t dodge from this. Leung Chun-ying can’t dodge from this.”
Local actor Andy Lau posted a message titled “Stay safe Hong Kong” on his website Andy World Club on Tuesday. “All Hongkongers love Hong Kong. To fight for [your] beliefs, care for yourself, care for the public. Everyone, don’t be emotionally affected by a few provocateurs. No tear gas, no violence, no swear words. Students, protesters, care for your own safety, be aware that you have family that care for your safety. I hope Hong Kong stays safe.”
It was reported by local media that former Beyond guitarist Paul Wong appeared at Mong Kok on Sunday and led the protesters in singing the chorus of the band's legendary hit song Boundless Sea and Sky (海闊天空), which conveys a message of fighting for one's dream.
Before that, he vented displeasure on his Sina Weibo account with a profanity. In response to a comment saying it's illegal to block traffic thoroughfare, he wrote: "No one cares about the three organisers of Occupy Central now, it's all Hongkongers, young and old, all voicing for students...".
Take a look at our photo galleries "Humans of Occupy Central" to see just who are some of the people on the streets.
Hongkongers woke up to Occupy Central’s premature start on the morning of Sunday, September 28, and now the movement has entered its third day.
Besides people on the streets, celebrities are also voicing their opinions on social media, from home and abroad. One, Denise Ho Wan-see, also took to the streets. The local Canto-pop singer spoke on stage at the student strike rally on Saturday and later posted a photo on Sina Weibo. Her Weibo account was closed as of Monday.
Ho has been posting on Facebook for days, and on Sunday, she posted: “Everyone in the entertainment industry: if you love Hong Kong, at this moment, please put aside your own interests, stand out and speak for Hong Kong. Please, stand out and speak up for the citizens! You should know that one word you say equals 100 said by an average person.”
Meanwhile, local actor Chapman To seems furious at Leung Chun-ying: “You have a lot to pay for the events of today,” he posted on his own Facebook page on Sunday also.
Dada Chan, local actress said on Instagram: “A very heavy day, wish everyone stays safe.”
Law Kar-ying, local actor took the opposite side on Sina Weibo and posted six hours after the start of the movement, “Occupy Central caused pandemonium in Hong Kong…the shallow Hong Kong students are being used, they have an agenda…calm down…”
Local singer-songwriter Chet Lam shared South China Morning Post’s story on international coverage of Occupy Central, saying, “We want the world to see the fact that Hongkongers are educated; we make sense”.
Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, local singer came back to Hong Kong last night and headed straight to where the action was, on Connaught Road Central, this morning.
Singer G.E.M. shared her feelings with a photo on her Facebook page.
Occupy Central also drew attention of celebrities from overseas.
Taiwanese actress Michelle Chen wrote on Facebook: “[On] the land that I love, I hope all of you are safe, add oil, Hong Kong.”
Chinese American rapper MC Jin posted #prayforHK on Instagram.
Chinese American actress Celina Jade said “we are Hongkongers” on Twitter.
E! News Asia presenter Dominic Lau tweeted some visual footage on Monday.
Stay tuned on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to get live updates on Occupy Central. And visit our photo galleries "Humans of Occupy Central" to see just who are some of the people on the streets.