Last weekend, Hong Kong magazine East Week published a story that claimed HKTV Chairman Ricky Wong (王維基) was accused of sexual harassment from a former female staff member two years ago. According to the magazine, Ricky Wong’s female staffer, identified as “Miss X”, accompanied him to a business trip to Shanghai on June 6, 2011. She received a written note claimed to be from Ricky Wong, which read, “After drinking this glass, your [monthly] salary will be increased to $36,000 HKD.” Miss X, who was born in mainland China and graduated at a university in Hong Kong, was forced to stay in the same room as Ricky Wong at the five-star Portman Ritz-Carlton that day. On September 22, 2011, three months after the incident, the woman filed a report against Ricky Wong to the Shanghai police. East Week published the written note and a copy of the claimed police report. The magazine also claimed that it had contacted Miss X, who did deny that an unfortunate incident had indeed occurred between her and Ricky Wong. Ricky Wong Files Libel Lawsuit After East Week’s report was published, Ricky Wong immediately filed a libel lawsuit and injunction against the magazine with Hong Kong’s High Court on the afternoon of November 19, 2013. He claimed that the magazine was defaming him and demanded compensation. Ricky Wong also released an official statement, stressing the magazine’s claims were unfounded. Ricky Wong described the report as an attempt to politically smear him, and that the accusations were a serious criminal offense. He added that he was able to hold regular business meetings in China in the past two years and was never approached by the local police force. The handwritten note that was published on East Week was also not in his handwriting. He further urged readers to not believe in rumors, especially during such a politically sensitive time. “East Week” Threatens to File Counter Lawsuit Following the release of Ricky Wong’s statement on Tuesday afternoon, East Week released a statement that night, threatening to file a counter lawsuit against Ricky Wong. The magazine demanded Wong to retract his defaming remarks on the magazine and pay compensation. “Ricky Wong declared that our report was ‘made out of thin air’ and was a ‘political smear tactic’. We believe that Ricky Wong is trying to divert public attention and we strongly protest against these claims,” East Week’s statement read. The magazine said it had contacted Shanghai’s police force, and the police confirmed that a sexual harassment case against Ricky Wong was true. The magazine also interviewed the woman, who said that the Shanghai police had accepted her case. East Week further stated that since public interest is now involved, Ricky Wong should face the issue with a fair, just, and open manner when responding to the media’s interrogation, instead of simply issuing a denial. East Week stated that they will issue a legal letter to Ricky Wong. Creds: ihktv
