Major Controversies Surrounding Jackie Chan: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jackie Chan.

Jackie Chan, born Fang Shilong, is a highly influential Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. He is celebrated for his unique action style that blends slapstick comedy, acrobatics, and innovative stunts, most of which he performs himself. His career has spanned over six decades, solidifying his status as a cinema icon and one of the most recognizable martial artists. His films have collectively grossed over $5.8 billion globally.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1989: Performance at the Concert for Democracy in China

In 1989, Jackie Chan performed at the Concert for Democracy in China in support of democratic movement during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

March 2004: Comments on Taiwanese Presidential Election

During a news conference in Shanghai on March 28, 2004, Jackie Chan referred to the 2004 Taiwanese presidential election as "the biggest joke in the world", sparking controversy.

June 2008: Protests at Taipei Airport

In June 2008, Jackie Chan faced protests at Taipei airport due to his earlier comments on the Taiwanese presidential election, with protesters shouting "Jackie Chan, get out".

2008: Comments on Summer Olympics Demonstrations

During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Jackie Chan spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the torch relay, warning "publicity seekers" not to get near him and arguing that the Olympics coverage would "provide another way for us to tell the world about Chinese culture."

April 2009: Comments on Freedom and Control

On April 18, 2009, during a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, Jackie Chan questioned whether broad freedom is a good thing, stating, "I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled," sparking controversy.

2010: Reports of the Jackie Chan curse

In 2010, ABC News reported on the urban legend known as the Jackie Chan curse, which originated from defective products sold in China that bore his name and endorsement.

December 2012: Criticism of Hong Kong as a 'City of Protest'

In December 2012, Jackie Chan criticized Hong Kong as a "city of protest", suggesting demonstrators' rights should be limited. He also stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country in the world, which angered parts of the online community.

June 2013: Response to Death Hoax

On June 25, 2013, Jackie Chan responded to a hoax Facebook page that alleged he had died. He confirmed he was alive, posting a Facebook message saying, "If I died, I would probably tell the world!".

2014: Son's Arrest for Cannabis Use

In 2014, Jackie Chan's son Jaycee was arrested for cannabis use, leading Chan to express anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame, and to remark that his son must accept the consequences.

April 2016: Named in the Panama Papers

In April 2016, Jackie Chan was named in the Panama Papers, listed as having up to six different offshore accounts, likely for tax shelters.

2016: California Fitness failure blamed on the Jackie Chan curse

In 2016, the failure of fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the Jackie Chan curse.

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests

In 2019, Jackie Chan criticized Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests, saying that the "'Five-starred Red Flag' is respected everywhere around the world" and supporting the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation.

2021: Expressed desire to join the Chinese Communist Party

By 2021, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party, a shift from his pro-democratic stance in the late 1980s.

2021: Evergrande Group losses following Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring

In 2021, after Jackie Chan promoted Evergrande Spring brand bottled water, the Evergrande Group suffered major losses, invoking the Jackie Chan curse.