Rose Chan (陳嘉桓) and Joe Ma (馬德鐘), who were involved in a shocking “sexual harassment” incident two years ago, appeared at the same promotional function on December 3. The two luckily avoided a potentially awkward meeting due to quick thinking from event host Real Ting (丁子高). “Sexual Harassment” Incident Two Years Ago In November 2011, nineteen-year-old Rose was in Hengdian, China filming Wong Jing‘s (王晶) comedy Princess and Seven KungFu Masters <笑功震武林>. At the end of a work day, she and co-star Timmy Hung (洪天明) joined Benny Chan (陳浩民), Joe Ma, and several crew members for a late night meal at a local Chinese barbecue shop. After a few rounds of drinking, Benny began to teasingly grope Rose and kissed her forcibly. Joe was also photographed seemingly kissing Rose. The distraught actress revealed the incident to her team and was summoned back to Hong Kong the very next day. Although Benny and Joe angrily denied the harassment claims, photographic proof was leaked soon after. Rose decided to file a report with the Hong Kong Police, and Benny held a press conference during which he apologized and bowed down repeatedly while breaking down in tears. Joe on the other hand, sought help from TVB executive Virginia Lok (樂易玲) and was able to clear his name due to a lack of solid evidence. Despite this, the public still associates the incident with him and blamed him for not coming to Rose’s aid. However, later photos showed a smiling Rose at the barbecue restaurant, indicating that perhaps she was a willing participant in the groping games. Joe Will Avoid Rose in Future With such an unpleasant history in their past, it is surprising to see the two appearing at the same event. Rose arrived at the promotional luncheon and immediately had to field questions about Joe’s appearance. Rose seems to have moved on from the humiliating incident, and calmly responded that the situation is unavoidable since both parties are active in the entertainment industry. She also treats her past as a valuable lesson, saying, “Every time after an unhappy incident I would always reflect on what I should’ve done so I will know what to do in the future. I will not do anything unnecessary anymore.” Joe and his wife Karen Cheung (張筱蘭) arrived at the event just as Rose was addressing the press. Event host Real Ting quickly pulled Joe and Karen aside and directed them towards a secret entryway, effectively avoiding direct confrontation with Rose and the reporters. Real explained that Joe was only there as his wife’s personal guest, and that he will not speak to the media as it is inappropriate for a TVB artist to be interviewed at non-company events without permission. Joe later emphasized once again that he attended the function strictly out of his personal, free will, adding that he was unaware of Rose’s presence and will not take any extra precautions to avoid running into her in the future. Creds: Oriental Daily
