Who is Edison Chen? Controversial past explored as BLACKPINK's Jennie receives backlash over her recent project collaboration

BLACKPINK's Jennie is part of a recent controversy after her pictures with Edison Chen went viral online on July 6, 2024. The BLACKPINK idol and CEO of Odd Atelier collaborated for an endorsement for "Adidas x CLOT Gazelle by Edison Chen" on June 12. CLOT is a Hong Kong streetwear brand co-owned by Edison Chen, who is a Canadian-born actor, singer, and fashion designer.

Edison Chen also shared a picture of her with the rapper from their collaboration. Koreaboo reported that following this, his 2008 s*x scandal resurfaced online, shocking fans.

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BLACKPINK's Jennie allegedly approached Edison Chen with an Adidas x CLOT endorsement deal

In 2008, Edison Chen got into a scandal for his nude pictures in obscene poses with his ex-girlfriend Vincy Yeung and various female celebrities such as Bobo Chan, Gillian Chung, Candice Chan, Mandy Chen, and Cecilia Cheung.

Chen announced his extended retirement from the Hong Kong entertainment sector after publicly apologizing in English to the people of Hong Kong and the ladies concerned. He also tacitly acknowledged his participation and expressed regret. The current situation directed some heat toward Jennie for collaborating with someone with a controversial past.

Jennie's latest collaboration with Edison Chen shed light on his alleged 2007 scandal where he got into a fight with a taxi driver and smashed all the windows inflicting dents. He was indicted by the police and fined HK$4,700 (about US $600) for the damages.

Netizens were stunned to learn that in 2011, Edison Chen was accused of filming 16-year-old model, Cammi Tse, in a compromised state. The Hong Kong model's intimate pictures with Edison Chen went viral online and Cammi Tse later confessed to being intimate with him.

Jennie was criticized online for her collaboration with CLOT's co-founder Edison Chen. (Image via X/@BLalisalia and @lisaporrtraitt)

However, Edison Chen didn't face prosecution since the legal age in Hong Kong is 16. Cammi Tse admitted that Edison Chen asked her to pose for him in swimwear and school uniforms and filmed a 2-minute intimate video of her in his bedroom.

Adidas x CLOT partnership and campaign initially thrilled a lot of admirers. However, Edison Chen's scandalous past shocked netizens and criticized Jennie for partnering with him. Koreaboo reported it appeared the BLACKPINK idol came up with the idea herself.

Edison Chen created the latest CLOT's Gazelle shoe ad campaign in association with Adidas Originals. It featured K-pop sensation BLACKPINK's Jennie flaunting a suede and textile top with a molded outsole sewn detail.

Glass beads with hand embroidery were used to create the iconic Adidas stripes. The BLACKPINK idol's pictures were also shared on the official Instagram account of CLOT (@clot).

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In other news, the rapper is currently busy working on her solo album, which she intends to release this year. She also became the first female K-pop soloist to earn RIAA Platinum for her featured song, One of the Girls from the HBO series, The Idol.