We haven't said anything about the ongoing Edison Chen sex photo scandal in these pages - the Hong Kong singer and movie star had stacks of sexually explicit photos of himself and a number of prominent HK actresses leaked online after taking his computer in for servicing - because we're neither a gossip blog nor particular interested in Chen's naughty bits but things came to a surprising conclusion today with Chen holding a press conference in which he acknowledged that most of the photos were both legitimate and taken by himself, apologized profusely to fans and the involved ladies for the photos leaking and then announced his outright retirement from the entertainment industry once he finishes up his current obligations.
On the one hand I'm tempted to simply say that this entire event was the result of simply phenomenal stupidity on the part of absolutely all involved - including the women, who shouldn't get a free pass - for first not realizing that these sorts of photos always leak and, second, being idiotic enough to not realize that some random computer repair guy wouldn't leap on the chance to capitalize. On the other hand, whether you love him or hate him there's no denying that Chen is a huge star throughout Asia with his fingers in all sorts of different pies, and one who was increasingly looking to push into North America, so his retirement creates an immediate void. But, mostly, I kind of feel like simply telling him, good on you. You screwed up, sure, and screwed up pretty large but well done stepping up, owning up to your own foolishness and taking it like a man.