Charmaine Sheh, Steven Ma and others assisting in ICAC investigation

[The Sun 14/03/2010] Note: I only translated parts related to Charmaine.

Following Stephen Chan's corruption case investigation, ICAC continues to gather evidence by interviewing TVB artistes. There are growing numbers of artistes suspected of being forced to reduce their fees (attending the events allegedly intermediate by Stephen Chan advertising agencies). Among the artistes, Steven Ma and Charmaine Sheh admitted assisting in ICAC's investigating but refused to reveal the details. According to sources, the popular artistes forced to reduce their fees at events includes Moses Chan, Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong, Tavia Yeung, Bernice Liu etc. There are rumors that they were forced to reduce their fees to 10 – 50% and even performed for free. ICAC does not rule out interviewing them one by one.

Information indicates that ICAC received complaints from TVB including the allegation of top management personnel covering up the agencies opened by his trusted aide. They draw commission from large scale events. The top management personnel was also suspected of using his influence to make 1st line (popular) artistes attends events organized by his private companies such as mall shows and opening ceremony and draw profit from their earnings. Even though the main organizers and sponsors pay high fees to invite these artistes to their shows, the artistes only receive fees of 10 – 50%. Some even does not receive any fees. Nobody dares to complaint as they fear the top management personnel authority.

Accordingly, apart from Wayne Lai and Sharon Chan etc was rumored to be interviewed by ICAC, Charmaine Sheh, Tracy Ip and Steven Ma also provided information to ICAC. When asked by the press, Charmaine admitted being interviewed by ICAC at TVB City last Thursday. They talked for approximately one hour, but whether they discussed on the topics of forced reduce fees or not, Charmaine indicate that it is not convenient to reveal. Tracy Ip denies being interviewed.

Do not repost.

Sehseh: Sigh... it was a large impact on the artistes and also TVB image. I hope the case will be thoroughly investigated and maybe TVB will have a better change after shaking up the management.