Introduction

Leslie Chung died by suicide at the age of 46, jumping off the 24th floor of D'Mendrin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. He remains one of the only Asian stars of his stature to publicly declare himself bisexual. His tragic end highlighted the stigma around mental health and LGBT meeting cue issues. Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a podcast from The Streets Times.

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Episode notes

April 1, 2023 is the 20th anniversary of the Asian pop icon's death.

Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.

On April 1, 2003, the world was shocked by the loss of one of the most beloved, enduring and seductive stars to ever grace screens. Singer and actor Leslie Cheung died by suicide at the age of 46, leaping to his death from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, after succumbing to a battle with severe depression.

2003 was a dark year for Hong Kong. The Sars epidemic ravaged the city. Yet, Cheung's death ignited a wave of public grieving, with people lining the streets outside his memorial to mourn him.

The singer-actor was beloved and known for his androgynous style onstage and his acclaimed performances in films like Days Of Being Wild (1990), Farewell My Concubine (1993) and Happy Together (1997) onscreen. Off screen, his personal life, especially his sexuality, was highly scrutinised.

Host Jan Lee celebrates Cheung’s life on the 20th anniversary of his death. She looks at the star’s legacy as a queer icon - both in his pop music and his film roles - and how his tragic end highlighted the stigma around mental health and his own sexual orientation.

Helplines:• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Community Health Assessment Team 6493-6500/1

Find Part 1 of the Edison sex photogate saga here: https://str.sg/wv4r

Find Part 2 here: https://str.sg/wv4H

Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee & Paxton Pang

Edited by: Penelope Lee & Eden Soh

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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