Hollywood’s Dark Side? Maybe Asian Showbiz Feels the Same Vibe
What a Taiwanese Lyricist Spoke About on TV
Remember Harvey Weinstein? He leapt onto Hollywood’s throne and turned it into a playground for his cravings. It looks like the Asian entertainment scene is playing a similar, if not louder, game.
On a Taiwanese talk show that blew up the News Wawawa page on Facebook (September 1), 57‑year‑old lyricist Hsu Chang‑te called out the ugly truth: sexual harassment and power abuse are widespread in showbiz.
He confessed that what might seem “normal” to the general public can feel downright alienating for those inside the industry.
How a Producer Can Turn a Simple Ride Into a Danger Zone
- Imagine a producer offering to fly a singer to the studio. The job? Not good friendship.
- If the producer’s a big name or helped a hit song, the singer almost won’t have the courage to say “no.”
- During the ride or after the recording, he suggests a “meal.” Turns out, it’s a classic baiting tactic.
- He might then crack open the conversation, telling the artist he “still has so many songs for her” and hints that she needs to comply.
- Unfortunately, many singers bowed to the pressure only to be dumped later.
This kind of creeping is harrowing; it can morph into confessions, ulterior motives or coercive tactics used to get whatever the power-holder wants.
Beyond Producers: Directors and Studio Executives Join the Club
Hsu highlighted that film chiefs aren’t exempt from the sleight of hand. A critical example: “They might drag a talent to a KTV, have them sing beside clients. While everyone drinks and sings, the client may touch the performer’s leg and hint, ‘work harder.’ If that’s the start, I’ve seen it blow up into something else entirely.”
Associate Cheng Hung‑yi from News Wawawa told a similar story. A TV station boss confessed about the messy aftermath of a renowned anchor who had a knack for “clearing up” incidents involving makeup, wardrobe, and hair crew. The station ended up paying women to hush fires.
Stella Ng: Speaking Out in a Dirty Industry
Former singer‑actress Stella Ng revealed in an interview two years ago that she quit Taiwanese showbiz after a few years because of hitters who pressured her to “sleep with people with power and reputation” to get ahead. She upheld her principles, and the toxic environment couldn’t keep her.
In a recent conversation with AsiaOne, she said, “It was horrible. I wish #MeToo had started earlier. Women facing workplace sexual harassment have been in this for too long.”
