Source: Channel News Asia



Taiwan host Blackie puts friends first, quits talk show

TAIPEI: Taiwan television host Chen Jian Zhou, better known as Blackie, has quit from a talk show he co-hosts with Vincent Liang on Tuesday after just one episode, reported Chinese media.

Blackie had tried to defend close friend, Asian superstar Jay Chou, when Taiwanese model Chen Yi-ting, who was a guest on the show, alleged that Chou had hit on her and even brought her to his home.

The model had earlier promised to produce witnesses and evidence of Chou's advances during the show's debut episode, but failed to do so and instead made further claims that she had attempted to protect Chou by concealing their alleged relationship.

Blackie reportedly became upset after the incident as he had to maintain his neutrality as a host and could not do more to protect his friend.

"I place great importance on friendship. A career in entertainment is fleeting but friendship lasts for a lifetime. I cannot guarantee that this will not happen again so I don't think I am up to the task," said Blackie, at a press conference explaining his departure on Tuesday.

Blackie was slated to host the show's second episode before bidding farewell on-air however he did not turn up for the shoot at all.

Upon further questioning, Blackie admitted that his fiancee, singer Fan Fan, disapproved of his involvement in the show and was one of the factors that made him walk away from the programme.

"She (Fan Fan) thinks I'm not too suitable for gossip," said Blackie. "She is someone very important to me so I completely accept her opinions."

"I am willing to accept any criticism on this matter but I firmly believe in my decision."

Related: Honey Chen now claims Jay Chou forced himself on her