It’s been weeks since the fire at the Wang Fuk estate broke out, resulting in the deaths of over 160 people. The tragedy prompted support from Hong Kongers, including celebrities. However, some stars have instead received backlash for what they’ve said about the incident.
Recently, singer Windy Zhan (詹天文) appeared at a public event and was interviewed by the event emcees. During the interview, the 19-year-old commented on the tragedy and shared a few words for the victim. She said, “I was heartbroken after learning about this, so I just want to tell them to keep going, take care, and believe that everything that happened was for the best. We really need to face everything with optimism.”
Unfortunately, many deemed Windy’s comment insensitive, sparking backlash from netizens. Many criticised her for implying that the fire was a good thing, mocking her for not thinking before she spoke. Some even claimed that her words were offensive to the victims and those affected by the fire. While some fans defended the star by explaining her intentions, many were still angry at Windy for her comments.
Following the controversy, Windy took to Instagram to apologise for her comments. The singer explained that she was nervous when on stage, which led her to stumble over her words. She added that she wanted to convey a hopeful message, but made a mistake in her speech. Windy said she’ll reflect on her wrongdoings and be more careful when speaking to avoid making the same mistake again.
In a separate post, Windy said she regrets her comment and apologised for making the public uncomfortable with her mistake. She also promised to make up for her mistake, adding she’ll attend more charity performances to raise funds and help the victims. While some have accepted the apology, others continue to criticise her. Windy’s comments also sparked a debate about celebrities’ reactions to tragedies.
Given the devastation the fire caused, it’s understandable that many would be sensitive to any wrong comment. What are your thoughts on this?
Sources: HK01, Sin Chew Daily
