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“I’m sorry to have caused so much controversy and taken up public resources,” the 25-year-old said in a on social media on May 10. “I was very shocked when I heard the recording. This was definitely not what I said.”

In her post, Lee explained why she had not immediately spoken out: “I didn’t come forward in the first instance because we are also sorting out the facts, hoping to give a satisfactory answer to people who care about me.

“I will use my own actions to prove my attitude, and welcome everyone to supervise me in the future.”

Lee, who moved from Singapore to China at age 16, reaffirmed her deep connection to the country: “I have received many opportunities and (much) assistance here, and have been able to shine in my favourite career,” she said. “I am completely in love with and grateful for this land, and I will never waver in any of my stances on any issue to China.”

The controversy began in April when an anonymous netizen, claiming to be Lee’s former assistant, posted a low-quality 30-second audio clip on Weibo, as reported by The Straits Times. The recording, which contains muffled words and background noise, allegedly features a woman saying she is “doing this not for fame, but for money,” and claiming that “most people in China are idiots.”

It has not been confirmed whether the voice in the clip is Lee’s. The incident gained traction after Chinese and Taiwanese media reported it, sparking outrage among social media users. Many criticized Lee, with some calling for her to be “canceled.”

Lee’s agency released a statement on May 10, defending her against the accusations. It condemned the spread of false information and said it had damaged her reputation. “Eleanor Lee has always respected and loved Chinese culture,” the agency said. “For many years, she has been actively studying the Chinese language and taking part in Chinese film and TV productions, and is committed to promoting cultural exchanges.”

The agency also denounced the audio recording and other content as fabricated, announcing plans to take legal action against those continuing to spread the false claims.

Lee is set to star in the upcoming Chinese period drama “The Journey of Legend,” playing Tang Fang alongside Chinese actors Cheng Yi and Gulnazar Bextiyar. However, speculation arose after her name was absent from a pinned post on the show’s Weibo account, dated April 9, leading some to believe she may have been removed from the cast. The series, which wrapped filming in October 2024, has not announced a premiere date. Some netizens speculate that the show’s airing could be impacted by Lee’s alleged remarks.

Lee, the daughter of Taiwanese-born Singapore TV host Quan Yifeng and former actor Peter Yu, first gained attention in China in 2015 with a viral Apple China commercial.

She later pursued acting, enrolling at the Beijing Film Academy in 2017. Lee has appeared in popular Chinese TV series such as “Solaso Bistro” (2017), “My Love, Enlighten Me” (2020), and the 2020 film “The Enchanting Phantom,” a remake of the 1987 Hong Kong classic “A Chinese Ghost Story.”