Ella Koon saddened by hatred over her article

30 Jan – Singer-actress Ella Koon recently extended her apology for her statement regarding the tension between Hong Kong and mainland China, which caused a lot of anger from the public.

As reported on Oriental Daily, on 27 January, the Cantopop singer appeared at the airport to take part in the "Gift Donation" charity event looking solemn and disturbed.

It was reported that her troubled expression was caused by an exclusive interview she did earlier that enraged a lot of people.

Ella, who talked about ending hate and discrimination in the article, stated her opinion about the clash between Hong Kong residents and the mainlanders, saying that there should be tolerance between the two.

She spoke about how the British would tease Hong Kong people about manners and etiquette when Hong Kong was still under the British colony, and said that the same should not be done to the mainlanders especially since they are of the same race.

Ella added that it was only a matter of cultural difference, and that the people in Hong Kong should show tolerance and consideration to foreigners instead of discriminating and making fun of them.

However, her words only triggered a new dispute, with some Netizens claiming that Ella's western education had made her sarcastic and fail to understand the issue.

While speaking to the media at the charity event, Ella was in tears as she apologised and explained, "The article was only me talking about the minute etiquette in life. I understand why my friends and some Netizens were so upset. I seemed to want them to accept it without actually feeling their pain and pressure."

She admitted to not know much about the school issues and the baby formula controversy, but added that she personally works hard to avoid misunderstandings from happening.

"I am so sad that I upset them when I only meant well," said Ella, who denied allegations that she holds a different citizenship.

In regards to Netizens calling her a 'con artist', Ella said, "I do things based on conscience. By saying that I'm a 'con artist', you're likening me to liars and deceptive people. I have never done such thing. I just wrote an article without a real understanding of the situation and caused an error of judgement. I love Hong Kong and this incident makes me feel like I am hated by my own family."