Hong Kong actor Kevin Cheng has broken his silence on the allegedly controversial comment about his A Fistful Of Stances co-stars.
Last month, Cheng mentioned cutting off things that are “a waste of time” when questioned about his absence from gatherings with his Fistful buddies – including Kenneth Ma, Natalie Wong and Stephen Wong.
The 54-year-old landed himself in hot water after hinting his absence from Ma’s wedding to TVB actress Roxanne Tong on Dec 16, prompting netizens to wonder if Cheng deemed it “a waste of time”.
In a recent interview with Hong Kong media, Cheng said: “I’ve never said anything about (my co-stars) being a waste of time. I don’t have enough time for myself, so how can I waste it?”
The actor added that he had already apologised to Ma, 49, for causing trouble when he was busy preparing for his wedding.
“He had to clarify things on my behalf when he’s having the busiest time ever,” Cheng said.
Ma previously denied rumours suggesting a rift between him and Cheng, saying that his friend already contacted him in private to explain why he couldn’t attend the ceremony. The TVB star added that he understood Cheng’s situation as the latter is now a father of three.
Cheng said he plans to meet up with Ma for a meal to celebrate his marriage.
The Hard Fate actor added that he’ll be more mindful of his choices of words to avoid a repeat of a similar misunderstanding and getting innocent people in trouble for his actions.
“I spoke too concisely and didn’t explain (my thoughts) clearly. This not only caused me to be misunderstood but also got (my friends) into trouble. For that, I apologise,” he said.
Earlier this month, Cheng’s wife, Hong Kong-born Canadian actress Grace Chan, got implicated in the controversy after posting photos of her trip with her husband overseas.
Many questioned why the couple had time to holiday abroad but not attend the wedding.
Another celebrity who got dragged into the mess was actress Charmaine Sheh, who Cheng had previously dated.
Several netizens speculated that the supposed conflict between Cheng and Ma arose from the latter’s collaboration with Sheh, a rumour which Ma firmly denied.