Shane Pow: Mediacorp’s Last Custody Break
What just happened?
As the sun dipped over Singapore’s skyline, Mediacorp, the powerhouse behind The Celebrity Agency, issued a statement that has everyone buzzing. The company has ended its partnership with 29‑year‑old actor Shane Pow—a move that could send ripples farther than a splash in the city’s morning traffic.
Why the sudden split?
- Drink‑Driving Dilemma: Shane was charged on Thursday, April 25 for a 2020 incident in which he allegedly drove a motorvan with 49 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath—well above the legal limit of 35 micrograms—at Java Road.
- Past Patterns: He was already convicted for a similar offence back in July 2014. If he is found guilty again,
- Consequences: He stands to face a five‑year driving ban, a two‑year jail stint, and a hefty fine ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Public court appearance is slated for June 3rd.
- Unreported Skips: Mediacorp says Shane never disclosed the 2020 breach to the agency. He also got docked for violating Covid‑19 safety protocols in October 2020, which added to the agency’s frustration.
What’s next for the projects?
Two popular dramas, Soul Old Yet So Young and The Heartland Hero, will still make it to the airwaves in June and July. The company assures fans that all the crew’s hard work, and the hefty production budgets, remain untouched.
Meanwhile, Shane’s Instagram remains unchanged—still showing him as a Mediacorp talent—though his last post, thanking fans after the Star Awards 2021, hasn’t been updated to reflect the new reality.
Fan Frenzy & Online Rants
Netizens hit the comment section with a mix of fury and sarcastic humor. One voiced, “Can you please be considerate for the safety of others? Just because of your selfish drink drive action can cause someone to lose their family member or become involved in tragic road accidents.”
Another joked, “He just needs to pray that future opportunities crop up or re‑think how he earns a living.”
Why Mediacorp’s Tolerable Threshold Was Exceeded
While the agency has historically stood by its artistes, the repeated legal red flags and policy violations finally tipped the balance. Their statement was clear: “We do not condone any behaviour that runs afoul of the law. Fans look to us as role models, and we must uphold that standard.”
With all contractual commitments settled by May 4, 2021, Mediacorp will officially move on, leaving the industry to witness the fallout of a star let go.
