HK stars rally together to block Anita Mui auction

Anita Mui.

HONG KONG • Anita Mui's friends such as actors Eric Tsang, Michael Miu and former boyfriend Ben Lam are joining forces to save her dignity as the late Cantopop diva's belongings, including her underwear, are put up for auction, said Apple Daily.

They are considering submitting an application to block the auction or bidding for the belongings themselves, said the report. Tsang has contacted movie star Jackie Chan, who heads the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, as well as film mogul Peter Lam and lawyers, to work out a plan.

The administrator of Mui's estate, HSBC Trustee, launched the 13-day online sale last Thursday, with proceeds to go to the living expenses of the singer's mother. The Last Not But Least: Chattels Of Anita Mui Yim Fong auction included items such as clothes and the New Talent Singing Award the singer won in 1982.

Lam told Apple Daily: "When I heard Ah Mui's awards and underwear were being auctioned, I was offended and enraged. This hurts all the people who love Ah Mui. I contacted Eric. We're talking about raising money to buy back the awards. Eric says it's most important to buy back the underwear because this is private and represents Ah Mui's dignity."

The singer's mother supported her friends' plan, said the report. Hoping to keep one trophy and other personal items as souvenirs, she appealed to fans not to make big bids for her daughter's belongings.

"As the mother, I wanted to retain one trophy, but couldn't. I urge you not to grab things and make them expensive. I'm willing to spend money to buy them back."

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 14, 2015, with the headline HK stars rally together to block Anita Mui auction. Subscribe