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 acrobatic fighting style, comedic timing, and self-performed innovative stunts, Chan has had a film career spanning over six decades. He is considered a cinema icon, with his films grossing over $6 billion globally.

Sections (6)

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

January 1999: Birth of Etta Ng Chok Lam and Affair Revelation

In January 1999, Elaine Ng Yi-Lei gave birth to Jackie Chan's daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam. Shortly before Etta's birth in January 1999, Ng publicly revealed Chan as the father, which sparked a scandal.

March 2004: Controversial Comment on Taiwanese 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: Participation in 2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay

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

April 2009: Questioning Broad Freedom

In April 2009, Jackie Chan questioned whether broad freedom is a good thing during a panel discussion at the Boao Forum for Asia, expressing the sentiment that Chinese people need to be controlled, which sparked controversy.

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2010, ABC News reported that the Jackie Chan curse originated due to defective products sold in China bearing his endorsement.

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 limiting demonstrators' rights. That same month, he stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country, which angered many people.

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, commenting: "If I died, I would probably tell the world!"

2014: Son's Arrest for Cannabis Use

In 2014, when Jackie Chan's own son Jaycee was arrested for cannabis use, he said that he was "angry", "shocked", "heartbroken" and "ashamed" of his son.

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, though he was not accused of illegal activity.

2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on the Jackie Chan Curse

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

2017: Chan's Response to Daughter's Coming Out

In 2017, Jackie Chan refused to provide any assistance to his daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, according to her lawyer. Also in 2017, when asked about her coming out as lesbian, he replied: "As long as she's happy."

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests

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

2021: Expressed desire to join the Chinese Communist Party

By 2021, in contrast to his prior democratic stance, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party.

2021: Evergrande Group Losses Follow Chan's Promotion

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