Late Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung’s former partner Daffy Tong refutes new romance allegations

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

Tong posted on his social media on Thursday night stating: "Since Gor Gor [a nickname for Cheung] passed away, I have been living alone, and I continue to do so."

The businessman also clarified that he does not have children through surrogacy. He explained that the boys who were with him on a recent trip, who were spotted by people, are his friends’ children, to whom he is very close, akin to family. Tong further revealed that for the past decade, he has not lived in the apartment he once shared with Cheung.

Tong expressed regret over the disturbance caused by his private life on social media, which has unsettled Cheung’s fans. He said: "If my actions have made you uncomfortable, I bow my head in apology."

According to Zaobao, reports suggesting that Tong was living with a man named Shi and had children with him through surrogacy started surfacing earlier this week, which led to heightened public attention. These reports emerged after Tong and Shi were allegedly seen on vacation in Bali, Indonesia.

Following these reports, numerous individuals commented on Tong’s Instagram, questioning his romantic life and criticizing him for allegedly bringing Shi into the home he once shared with Cheung. Some commenters suggested that Tong should not keep Cheung’s ashes but rather bury them or give them to Cheung’s relatives if he has moved on. Others called for Tong to publicly explain his management of Cheung’s assets and to cease expressing his loyalty to Cheung.

However, some defended Tong’s right to move forward in life. They argued that if Cheung’s family, managers, and friends have not commented on the ashes, then fans should refrain as well. They supported Tong’s freedom to pursue new relationships since Cheung passed away 21 years ago.

In response to the backlash, Tong has made his Instagram account private.

Tong, a godson of Cheung’s mother, had known Cheung since their childhood but lost touch over the years. They reconnected in 1982 and began a longstanding relationship.

Throughout their relationship, Tong was a significant support to Cheung, serving as his confidant, collaborator, and assisting him in various aspects of his life. In a 1994 interview, Cheung described their bond, stating: "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," he added.

At a concert in 1997 in Hong Kong, Cheung serenaded Tong with "The Moon Represents My Heart," a song 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 a seminal figure in the Cantopop scene of the 1980s. His acting career included notable roles in 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 role in "Farewell My Concubine" contributed to the film winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993, a rare achievement for a Hong Kong film.

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