Hong Kong actor Benny Chan criticized for wearing designer brands at temple

By Linh Le May 17, 2024 | 04:19 pm PT

Actor Benny Chan received public backlash for donning items from high-end fashion brands during a visit to a temple in Hangzhou, China.

Hong Kong actor Benny Chan. Photo from Chan's Weibo

According to Singaporean news site 8days, the actor shared a video of his trip to Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou on Douyin earlier this month. In the video, he is seen navigating the stairs leading to the temple and performing a bow three times upon reaching the main hall.

A heated debate over the actor’s choice of clothing, which included a Louis Vuitton shirt worth S$2,190 (US$1,626), a cap, sunglasses, and jewelry, subsequently erupted online.

Hong Kong actor Benny Chan visits Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, China. Photo from Chan's Douyin

According to the Malaysian news site Hype, many people feel that visitors to places of worship should wear simple attire to show modesty and humility before the holy spirits. Consequently, while some praised Chan for his fashion sense, others condemned his outfit as unsuitable, accusing him of not displaying the required solemnity.

"Shouldn’t one remove their gold and silver [jewelry] when worshiping Buddha?" read a comment under his Douyin video.

"Sincerity is what matters," Chan replied.

Chan, 55, joined the entertainment industry in 1994. He later joined Hong Kong broadcasting company TVB and acted in many television dramas produced by the company.