Model Hikari Mori criticized for allegedly squeezing actress Shu Qi at Bulgari event

According to AsiaOne, many online observers believe that videos from the May 20 event—which celebrated Bulgari’s 140th anniversary and introduced its Aeterna jewelry and watch collection—show Hikari Mori pushing her way to stand next to the brand’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin for photographs, inadvertently pushing Shu Qi aside. This forced Shu Qi to awkwardly climb the stairs to position herself next to Hikari Mori.

Japanese model Hikari Mori (second from R) allegedly pushes Taiwanese actress Shu Qi (far R) out to stand next to Bulgari's CEO Jean-Christophe Babin (third from R) for photographs at an event held in Rome by Bulgari on May 20, 2024. Photo from Jean-Christophe Babin's Instagram

Compounding the issue, other videos captured the Japanese model leaning towards Shu Qi to appear in more photographs while seated in the front row at the fashion show. This apparent intrusion was poorly received by netizens and fans.

"How could Bulgari engage such a person as a brand ambassador?" asked a netizen on the brand’s Instagram post. "She squeezed out the spokesperson [Shu Qi] and stole her limelight."

"Hikari was so rude to Shu Qi!" commented another, as reported by the Singaporean news outlet 8days.

Following the event, Bulgari posted additional photos on its Weibo account the next day, excluding Hikari Mori. This move pleased many online commentators.

"I felt relieved when I saw that the intrusive Hikari Mori was cut off!" a user remarked.

"Yes, no Hikari please!" echoed another.

Hikari Mori, 32, has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Shiseido, Tiffany & Co, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. She has also been featured on the covers of Vogue and Grazia China.

She is the granddaughter of the Japanese couturière Hanae Mori, who was the first Asian woman to be accepted into the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. This recognition allowed Hanae Mori to be part of an exclusive group authorized to use the term "haute couture" for her hand-crafted garments, according to CNN.

Taiwanese actress Shu Qi. Photo from Shu Qi's Instagram

Shu Qi, 50, began her career in the entertainment industry as a teenager, initially starring in softcore pornography films.

Later discovered by leading directors from Hong Kong and Taiwan in the mid-1990s, she rose to fame with leading roles in "Viva Erotica" and "Bishonen." Her performances in international movies such as "The Transporter" and "So Close" have expanded her international recognition.

In 2023, Shu Qi served on the main jury at the Venice International Film Festival, making her the third female artist of Chinese descent to be on juries at three major European film festivals, following actresses Gong Li and Maggie Cheung.