Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee faces backlash after being accused of calling Chinese nationals ‘idiots’ in leaked audio

The 31-second recording, reportedly leaked by someone claiming to be her former assistant, was uploaded on the Chinese social media platform RedNote and has since gone viral, according to the South China Morning Post.

In the clip, the speaker explains that she is not pursuing fame, but rather financial gain, before stating: "All that matters is that there are movies to be filmed and money to be made. What else can I do?"

"When it is over, I still get criticized, just because most Chinese nationals are idiots."

The audio quickly drew widespread condemnation from Chinese netizens, many accusing Lee of insulting China and its people.

Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee. Photo courtesy of Lee's Instagram

Some users called for her to be "canceled," with one writing, "The platform still wants to broadcast [her drama]? That’s really bold."

Another user said, "Protect our country’s prestige and resist humiliating Chinese dramas."

A spokesperson for Lee's Chinese agency told The Straits Times on May 9 that the matter is under investigation, with an update expected soon.

The 25-year-old actress, based in China since 2016, has reportedly been removed from the cast of the upcoming Chinese period drama "The Journey of Legend" as a result of the backlash. However, Chinese-language daily Zaobao reported that Lee's name still appears in the cast list, suggesting that she has not yet been officially removed from the show.

"The Journey of Legend," based on the novel by Malaysian author Woon Swee Oan, stars Chinese actors Cheng Yi and Gulnazar Bextiyar. Lee plays Tang Fang, one of the main characters. While the drama has not set a premiere date, Lee’s alleged remarks have been speculated to have caused delays in the show’s airing, which was initially scheduled for early May.

Lee first gained attention in China at 16 when she appeared in a viral Apple commercial in 2015. She later enrolled at the Beijing Film Academy to pursue an acting career.