Late actor Leslie Cheung’s ex-partner criticized for living with new boyfriend in home they shared

0Late Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung (R) and his former partner Daffy Tong. Photo from Tong's Instagram

Entlife reported on Wednesday that Tong, now 65, became the focus of public scrutiny after reports surfaced that he was living with a man surnamed Shi, with whom he has children through surrogacy. Sources also claim that Tong and Shi now reside in a Hong Kong house that Tong once shared with Cheung.

It is reported that news of Tong’s new relationship emerged after he and Shi were seen vacationing in Bali, Indonesia.

In recent days, following the revelation of Tong’s alleged new relationship, numerous people have commented on his Instagram, questioning his love life. Many responded harshly, with some criticizing him for bringing Shi into the house once inhabited by Cheung. Some suggested that Tong should not retain Cheung’s ashes but should bury them or give them to the late actor’s relatives if he has moved on.

Others demanded that Tong publicly explain how he is managing Cheung’s assets and urged him to stop expressing his longing and loyalty to the late actor.

Some defended Tong, advocating for his right to move on with his life. Others argued that if Cheung’s family, managers, and friends have not commented on the ashes, then fans should not either. They maintained that there is nothing wrong with Tong starting a new relationship since Cheung passed away 21 years ago.

Amid the backlash, Tong has made his Instagram account private and has not addressed the matter in interviews.

Tong, who is the godson of Cheung’s mother, knew Cheung since childhood but they lost contact over the years. They reconnected in 1982 and eventually started a long-standing relationship.

Cheung and Tong shared a profound relationship until Cheung’s death. During their time together, Tong was a significant support to Cheung, acting as a confidant and collaborator, and assisting the star in various aspects of his life. In a 1994 interview, Cheung described their relationship, saying: "Tong and I are like fish and water; we need each other to live, we need each other to be better."

"My heart has fluttered many times, but with Tong, I only have eyes for him," Cheung added.

At a concert in Hong Kong in 1997, Cheung serenaded Tong with "The Moon Represents My Heart," a song originally by Taiwanese singer Chen Fen-lan, dedicating it as a special gift to Tong.

Often referred to as the "Elvis [Presley] of Hong Kong," Cheung was born in 1956 and was a seminal actor and singer who played a significant role in defining Cantopop in the 1980s.

Cheung’s acting career was distinguished by his roles in significant films such as "A Better Tomorrow II," "The Bride with White Hair," "A Chinese Ghost Story," "Farewell My Concubine," "The Eagle Shooting Heroes," and "Ashes of Time." His performance in "Farewell My Concubine" helped the film win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993, a rare honor for a Hong Kong film.

Cheung died on April 1, 2003, by suicide from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong. He had reportedly been suffering from clinical depression.