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. Renowned for his unique blend of slapstick comedy, acrobatic fighting sequences, and exceptional stunt work (often performed by himself), Chan has become a global icon in cinema. His career extends over six decades, and his films have collectively grossed over $5.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most recognizable and impactful martial artists in film history.

Sections (6)

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

March 2004: Comment on the Taiwanese presidential election

During a news conference in Shanghai on 28 March 2004, Jackie Chan called the 2004 Taiwanese presidential election "the biggest joke in the world".

June 2008: Protests at Taipei airport

In June 2008, Jackie Chan was separated from protesters shouting "Jackie Chan, get out" when he arrived at Taipei airport, following his comments on Taiwan.

2008: Spoke out against demonstrators disrupting the Olympic torch relay

In 2008, Jackie Chan spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the torch relay for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, warning "publicity seekers" to "not get anywhere near" him.

April 2009: Questioned whether broad freedom is a good thing

On 18 April 2009, Jackie Chan questioned whether broad freedom is a good thing, suggesting that Chinese people need to be controlled, which prompted angry responses.

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse Urban Legend

In 2010, an ABC News report indicated that the Jackie Chan curse urban legend originated because products in China bearing his name had proven defective. This led to the belief that any product endorsed by Jackie Chan would suffer setbacks.

December 2012: Criticized Hong Kong as a "city of protest"

In December 2012, Jackie Chan criticized Hong Kong as a "city of protest", suggesting that demonstrators' rights should be limited, and stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country.

2014: Son Jaycee arrested for cannabis use

In 2014, Jackie Chan's son, Jaycee, was arrested for cannabis use, leading Jackie Chan to express anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame.

April 2016: Named in the Panama Papers

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

2016: Failure of California Fitness blamed on the Jackie Chan Curse

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

2019: Criticized Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests

In 2019, Jackie Chan criticized Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests and supported 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, contrasting his earlier pro-democratic stance.

2021: Evergrande Group Losses Linked to Jackie Chan Curse

In 2021, Evergrande Group suffered major losses following Jackie Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring brand bottled water, further invoking the Jackie Chan curse.