Andy Lau to pay millions to Taiwanese airline

23 Jan – It was reported that Hong Kong actor Andy Lau has been ordered to pay NTD 2.67 million (USD 88,323) in damages for an incident that happened back in 1997.

As reported on China Post, on 21 January, the decision was made by a Taiwan court, stating that while the actor was partly responsible for the damage, the pilot should have 'barred entry into the cockpit by any passengers according to the law'.

The latest decision was made after an appeal to lower the compensation from the original NTD 5.1 million that was determined by a district court back in 2008, which was later raised to NTD 6.9 million upon losing an appeal at a higher court.

The original suit was filed in 1998 by Taiwanese airline, Daily Air, but the case had dragged on due to the fact that Andy Lau was not a permanent resident in Taiwan.

The accident to the Daily Air Corp-loaned helicopter occurred in 1997 when the actor was filming his action flick, "The Island of Greed" in Taiwan.

It was reported that Andy accidentally brushed against the pitch stick during a stunt where he was required to jump out of the chopper, unsteadying the helicopter and causing its rotor blade to hit lighting equipment nearby.

The Taiwan district court later held the actor responsible and ordered Andy to pay the compensation.