Edison Chan Scandal Photo

Edison Chen has HIV/AIDS?

Hong Kong's entertainment circle seems to be exploding with gossip and rumours over the past month, fuelled mostly by celebrity couple Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse's failed marriage.

And now, word has it that actor Edison Chen has been infected with HIV/AIDS.

After Hong Kong tabloids speculated in early June that the playboy star had contracted the disease, many actresses were said to have panicked and hurried to the hospital for check-ups.

Chen, of course, has not said anything and is reported to be attending the Taipei International Toy Exhibition next month.

Back in 2008 when Chen's sex photo scandal caused public furore and tarnished many names, a chart was drawn to indicate the many women and partners who would be affected if he did have AIDS.

Not only would his immediate sex partners be affected, the chart also branched out to other stars who might have been sexually involved with Chen's direct sex partners or were rumoured to be an item with those named.

Stars such as Elva Hsiao, Maggie Q, Shawn Yue, Jay Chou, and even Jackie Chan's son are listed in the chart.

Although the chart illustrated names who are only rumoured to be involved with one another, the extent to which the chart branched out illustrates the serious implications if Chen did contract AIDS.

In April, the Hong Kong media reported that a TVB actor, known as "Mr Y", allegedly contracted HIV. The veteran artiste, who is bisexual, was involved in some box office movies and is also a singer who expanded his career to China in recent years.

Other male actors claimed that they were sexually harassed by Mr Y. Among the alleged victims are TVB actors Vincent Wong, Benjamin Yuen and William Chak.

Despite coming forward with their allegations, they did not disclose the identity of the actor.

Cantopop singer Aaron Kwok also fell victim to rumours in October last year, when the Hong Kong media reported that he allegedly spread a sexually transmitted disease to girlfriend Lynn Hung.

After much speculation, the rumour seemed to be merely an Internet prank - Hong Kong dailies reported that an unknown person had started the talk via social networking sites.

klim@sph.com.