Hosts of a chat show on a Hong Kong radio station apologized on Tuesday for
an Internet survey asking listeners to vote which actress they would most like
to sexually assault.
The Commercial Radio poll drew widespread criticism last week, with teachers,
legislators and ordinary citizens slamming it for advocating violence against
women and for corrupting youth.
"The program hosts and co-workers publicly apologize for any offense that the
Internet poll 'Which female artist would you most like to sexually assault'
caused to female artists and everyone in Hong Kong," a message posted on the
radio Web site said. The hosts also promised to be more careful in selecting the
content of its shows in the future.
The show, "So Fab," is now being investigated by Television and Entertainment
Licensing Authority (TELA), Hong Kong's broadcasting watchdog, following a
string of complaints.
Listeners were asked to choose from a list of 20 female Chinese stars,
including singer Joey Yung and actress Kelly Chen, as candidates for whom they'd
most like to assault.
A channel spokeswoman said it was preparing a response to TELA's
investigation.
"So Fab" broadcasts each week night between 10 p.m. and midnight and is aimed
at a mainly teenage audience.
Women's groups protested outside TELA's offices Monday, demanding an apology
from Commercial Radio.
"(They) used a public media channel to promote a crime," protest spokeswoman
Eleanor Lam told RTHK.
"Sexual assault is faced by women all over the world. It's a very serious
issue. It's not a joke. By doing this they (the radio station) are admitting
they have no common sense or respect for dignity."
The Women's Commission, a government-funded organization that monitors
women's issues, said it was appalled by the show.
"This is a blatant act of disrespect to females and encouraging violence
against women," it said in a statement.
"We believe that the community will not accept such a notion. The Women's
Commission denounces any acts that degrade the dignity and respect of females.
We do not accept any such acts of blurring the lines of right and wrong."
