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. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick comedy, and daring stunts performed without doubles, he gained international recognition for his unique on-screen persona. Chan's career started at the Peking Opera School, where he honed his martial arts and acting skills as one of the Seven Little Fortunes. With a filmography spanning over 150 movies across six decades, he is considered a cinematic icon and one of the most important martial artists in film history.

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, Jackie Chan faced protests at Taipei airport following his comments on the Taiwanese presidential election in 2004.

2008: Participation in 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay

In 2008, Jackie Chan participated in the torch relay for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the relay.

April 2009: Comments on freedom at Boao Forum

On 18 April 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."

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse Urban Legend

In 2010, ABC News reported on the origin of the urban legend known as the Jackie Chan curse, which suggests that products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to being defective.

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.

2014: Son's arrest for cannabis use

In 2014, Jackie Chan's son Jaycee was arrested for cannabis use, leading Chan to express his anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame. He remarked, "I hope all young people will learn a lesson from Jaycee and stay far from the harm of drugs."

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: 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 suggesting products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to being defective.

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests

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

2021: Expressed desire to join the Chinese Communist Party

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

2021: Evergrande Group Losses Following Chan's Endorsement

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.