Carina Lau’s romantic history is defined by her high-profile engagement to tycoon Julian Hui
and her enduring, four-decade relationship with legendary actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai
. Her narrative often centers on the contrast between her outgoing, social personality and the more reserved nature of her partners The Enduring Power Couple: Tony Leung Chiu-wai Carina Lau and Tony Leung
are widely considered a model couple in Asian entertainment, having been together for approximately 35 years Relationship Timeline:
They began dating in 1989 after collaborating on a stage production of Run For Your Wife
. After 19 years of dating, they married in a private, Buddhist-inspired ceremony in Bhutan on July 21, 2008. Contrasting Personalities:
Lau is known for being extroverted and enjoying the spotlight, while Leung is famously introverted and struggles with social anxiety. Lau has noted that their longevity is rooted in mutual respect, compromise, and "creating romance" for one another. Romantic Gestures: HongKong Actress Carina Lau Ka-Ling Sex Tape
Despite his quiet nature, Lau has revealed that Leung frequently writes handwritten apology and anniversary cards, which she deeply values. Solidarity Through Crisis:
Leung famously supported Lau through her 1990 abduction, even dropping out of filming Days of Being Wild to spend more time with her during the recovery period. Early Relationships and High-Society Rumors Before her long-term partnership with
, Lau’s romantic life was a frequent subject of tabloid fascination.
The story surrounding Hong Kong actress Carina Lau Ka-ling involves a traumatic kidnapping and a major media ethics scandal, but it is important to clarify that no "sex tape" exists. The controversy stems from topless photographs taken against her will during an abduction in 1990, which were then leaked by a tabloid magazine 12 years later. 1. The 1990 Kidnapping
On April 25, 1990, while she was filming Days of Being Wild, Carina Lau was abducted by four men while driving to a friend's house in Hong Kong.
Motive: Lau later revealed she had rejected a film offer from a triad-linked investor. The kidnapping was meant as "punishment" for her refusal. Carina Lau’s romantic history is defined by her
The Incident: She was held for approximately two to three hours. During this time, her captors forced her to strip and took several topless photos of her in a state of distress.
Immediate Aftermath: Lau was released and initially told friends nothing serious had happened, and no police report was filed at the time to avoid further trouble with the triads. 2. The 2002 East Week Scandal
The story surrounding Carina Lau and the sensitive imagery published by the media is a significant chapter in Hong Kong's entertainment history, centered on a 1990 kidnapping and its resurfacing in 2002. The 1990 Abduction
On April 25, 1990, while driving to the home of fellow actor Michael Miu, Carina Lau was kidnapped by four men. According to Lau’s later accounts, the abduction was orchestrated by triad members as punishment for her refusal to accept a film role offered by a mob-linked investor. During the two-hour ordeal, she was blindfolded and forced to strip for topless photographs. Lau was released safely and originally decided not to report the incident to the police, hoping to move past the trauma. The 2002 East Week Controversy
The incident returned to the public eye twelve years later, in October 2002, when the Hong Kong magazine East Week (published by South China Morning Post) featured one of the topless photos on its cover. Though the subject’s face was partially blurred, the public quickly identified Lau. The publication sparked massive outrage across Hong Kong:
Title: The Public Gaze and The Private Heart: A Critical Analysis of Carina Lau’s Relationships and Romantic Narratives The Cinderella Myth Takes Hold In the late
Abstract This paper explores the romantic history and public relationships of Hong Kong cinema icon Carina Lau, analyzing how her personal life has intersected with her on-screen persona. By examining her high-profile marriage to Tony Leung Chiu-wai, her past controversies, and her resilience in the face of media scrutiny, this study argues that Lau represents a unique archetype of the modern Hong Kong woman: resilient, independent, and unapologetically complex. The paper deconstructs the "Beauty and the Beast" narrative constructed by the media and highlights Lau’s agency in rewriting her own romantic script.
In the late 1980s, Carina began dating Julian Hui, a Harvard-educated businessman with impeccable manners and a family fortune that dwarfed her own. They were photographed at horse races, charity balls, and private clubs. For two years, the narrative was pure fairy tale: the actress who would become a tycoon’s wife.
In 1989, the fairy tale seemed to reach its climax when Julian threw a lavish betrothal party. The media declared them engaged. Carina spoke openly of planning a wedding, of leaving acting, of a life behind guarded gates.
In a stunning turn worthy of her best film, Carina publicly forgave the individuals involved in the 1990 abduction and the 2002 photo leak. She posted a photo on Weibo of herself with the man she believed was the mastermind, accompanied by a reflective caption about letting go.
Her husband, Tony, supported this act of radical grace. It was the final act of a woman who had turned every romantic tragedy into a testament of strength.
The story begins on the set of the TVB drama The Duke of Mount Deer in 1984. Carina was 19, a fresh-faced Miss Canada pageant winner trying to make it as an actress. Tony Leung was 22, already a rising star known for his soulful eyes and quiet demeanor. They played minor roles and shared little screen time. At the time, Tony was famously dating his co-star, Margie Tsang. Carina, meanwhile, was engaged to aspiring businessman and later actor, Tony Leung’s best friend: Simon Yam.
Carina Lau's contributions to Hong Kong cinema and television have been significant. Her portrayal of strong, dynamic characters has inspired many young actresses. Her enduring relationship with Andy Lau has also made her a role model for couples in the entertainment industry.
Carina Lau has played the lover, the heartbreaker, and the betrayed — sometimes all in one film.