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 actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and stuntman, celebrated for his acrobatic fighting style, comedic timing, and daring stunts. Beginning his career as one of the Seven Little Fortunes from the Peking Opera School's China Drama Academy, where he trained in acrobatics, martial arts, and acting, Chan has starred in over 150 films across six decades. He is considered an icon in martial arts cinema for his innovative and often self-performed stunts, solidifying his place as one of cinema's most recognized and respected martial artists.

Sections (6)

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

March 2004: Comments on Taiwanese Presidential Election

During a news conference in Shanghai on 28 March 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: Comments on Olympic Torch Relay Demonstrations

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

April 2009: Questioning Broad Freedom at Boao Forum

On 18 April 2009, during a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, Jackie Chan questioned whether or not broad freedom is a good thing, noting the strong tensions in Hong Kong and Taiwan. His comments prompted angry responses from several prominent figures in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2010, ABC News reported the origin of the urban legend known as the 'Jackie Chan curse,' which stems from a series of defective products sold in China bearing Jackie Chan's endorsement.

December 2012: Criticism of Hong Kong as a "city of protest" and of the United States

In December 2012, Jackie Chan caused outrage when he criticized Hong Kong as a "city of protest", suggesting that demonstrators' rights in Hong Kong should be limited. The same month, in an interview with Phoenix TV, Chan stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country in the world, which in turn angered parts of the online community.

June 2013: Response to Death Hoax

On 25 June 2013, Jackie Chan responded to a hoax Facebook page created a few days earlier that alleged he had died, stating that he would probably tell the world if he died.

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 the purposes of serving as tax shelters.

2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2016, the failure of the fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the so-called 'Jackie Chan curse,' a belief that products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to failure.

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests

In 2019, Jackie Chan criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests, stating that the 'Five-starred Red Flag' is respected globally. He also voiced his 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, contrasting his pro-democratic stance in the late 1980s.

2021: Evergrande Group Losses and the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2021, following Jackie Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring brand bottled water, the Evergrande Group suffered major losses, leading to renewed invocation of the 'Jackie Chan curse'.