Edison Chen stuns Hong Kong by quitting showbiz

WARNING: If you are sick and tired of reading about Edison Chen’s private parts … stop reading now!
Yesterday, the man finally returned to Hong Kong to host a long-awaited press conference with 300 journalists. He admitted that the photos were taken by him and stolen from his computer, and also apologised to the women involved in the scandal, as well as their families. More shocking was his announcement that he will leave showbiz. Here are some quotes from Edison compiled from various sources.
The apology:

I am deeply sorry… I admit most of the photos being circulated on the Internet were taken by me. I would like to apologize to all the ladies and to all their families for any harm or hurt that they have been feeling. I’m sorry… Most importantly, I would like to say sorry to all the people in Hong Kong. I give my apologies sincerely to you all, unreservedly and with my heart

“Very private”:

These photos were very private… They were never intended to be shown to anyone. They were stolen from me and distributed without my consent.’

On his failure as a role model:

I know young people in Hong Kong look up to many figures in our society… I’ve failed as a role model. However I wish that this matter will teach everyone a lesson… To all the young people in our community, let this be a lesson for you all. This is not an example to be set for you.

On his decision to quit showbiz:

During my time away, I’ve made an important decision. I will wholeheartedly fulfil all commitments that I have to date. But, after that, I’ve decided to step away from the Hong Kong entertainment industry. I’ve decided to do this to give myself an opportunity to heal myself and to search my soul… I will be away from Hong Kong entertainment indefinitely. There is no time frame.

On his willingness to cooperate with the police:

I have been assisting the police since the first day the photos were published, and I will continue to assist them. After this press con, I have obligations to help them with their investigation… I hope all of you will accept my apology and give me a chance.

Batgwa.com (“Batgwa” or “八卦“ in Cantonese means “gossipmongering”) reports that Edison did not take any questions after making these statements and over a hundred police officers had to be roped in to whisk him off in a Mercedes-Benz.
This whole episode has been described as the equivalent of the 9/11 in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, one that has uncovered tough questions on Internet laws, privacy laws, human rights and police procedures that remain unanswered. Also interesting is how Beijing now appears to be involved in the fight against the dissemination of the pictures. The latest Xinhua report has it that thirteen key Chinese portals have pledged to stop the further spread of the pictures.
Here’s a Youtube video of the press conference:

Never before has a scandal in Chinese showbiz received as much attention in international media. We were surprised to find it even in Bloomberg. Here’s what they said:
Bloomberg: Hong Kong Actor Chen Quits, Admits Web Sex Photos
AP: Hong Kong actor Edison Chen says he took racy photos, apologizes
Reuters: Hong Kong’s Edison Chen quits after sex scandal
AFP: Star apologises over Hong Kong sex photos scandal
Wall Street Journal: Hong Kong Pop Star Aims to End Controversy Over Explicit Photos
South China Morning Post: Edison Chen bows out with apology [Subscription]
Shanghai Daily: Edison Chen to quit after sex picture scandal
Xinhua: China portals boycott porn pics at start of “Ratty Year”
Previously on Shanghaiist

• Edison Chen, Bobo Chan, Gillian Chung and Cecilia Cheung embroiled in Hong Kong’s biggest sex photo scandal ever
• The Edison Chen sex scandal rages on with more pictures released by mystery man
• Jolin Tsai, Maggie Q, Vincey Yeung sucked into Edison Chen scandal; Gillian Chung admits involvement
• Edison Chen sex scandal: Witchhunt hits China

UPDATE: Someday, China may look back at the Edison Chen scandal and thank the man for its privacy laws