Major Controversies Surrounding Jackie Chan: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2026

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

Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang, is a highly influential Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick humor, comic timing, and daring stunts he performs himself, Chan has built a career spanning over six decades. He is considered one of cinema's most iconic and influential martial artists. His films have collectively grossed over $6 billion globally, solidifying his status as a major entertainment figure.

Sections (6)

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

March 2004: Taiwanese Presidential Election Comments

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

June 2008: Protests at Taipei Airport

In June 2008, Police and security personnel separated Jackie Chan from scores of protesters shouting "Jackie Chan, get out" when he arrived at Taipei airport.

2008: Olympics Torch Relay Stance

During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Jackie Chan spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the torch relay and warned that "publicity seekers" planning to stop him from carrying the Olympic Torch "not get anywhere near" him.

April 2009: Comments on Freedom

On April 18, 2009, during a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, Jackie Chan questioned whether or not broad freedom is a good thing and suggested that "we Chinese need to be controlled."

2010: Jackie Chan Curse Urban Legend Reported

In 2010, ABC News reported on the urban legend called the Jackie Chan curse, stemming from allegedly defective endorsed products.

December 2012: Criticism of Hong Kong and the United States

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

April 2016: Named in the Panama Papers

In April 2016, Jackie Chan's name appeared in the Panama Papers, which revealed he had up to six offshore accounts, potentially as tax shelters.

2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on Curse

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

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Protests

In 2019, Jackie Chan publicly criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests and expressed support for the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation.

2021: Expressed Desire to Join Chinese Communist Party

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

2021: Evergrande Losses Following Promotion

In 2021, the Jackie Chan curse was again invoked when Evergrande Group suffered major losses following Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring brand bottled water.