Hong Kong actor Jacky Heung, 40, the son of billionaire film producers Charles Heung and Tiffany Chen, was recently reported to have owed MGM Macau casino a HKD1.4mil (S$230k) gambling debt. 

According to the casino, Jacky had exchanged HKD2mil (S$330k) worth of chips last December, which he was required to pay for on that same day. However, they said that the value held in his account was only enough to repay a partial sum.

MGM Macau took the actor to court on July 3, and asked that he pay back his HKD1.4mil debt with an annual interest rate of 18%, which began rolling from the day he took up the loan.

After the news broke, netizens were curious as to why Jacky, as wealthy as his family is, would have an outstanding debt.

The actor, who has been into live streaming of late, also bragged about buying his wife, Taiwanese model-actress Bea Hayden, a luxury mansion on one occasion.

To many, it just didn’t make sense that Jacky couldn’t afford to settle the debt with the casino.

Jacky’s manager later set the record straight.

“Jacky himself did not participate in any sort of gambling activities! It’s a misunderstanding! [We] hope that everyone cherishes themselves, and stays away from gambling. Do you think the Heung family is lacking in money?” said his manager.

In latest updates, MGM casino has changed their statement.

They explained that Jacky was implicated in the matter as he was serving as a guarantor to a third party. They had only gone after Jacky as the original debtor failed to repay the loan.

According to them, the HKD1.4mil loan has since been paid up, and they have ceased the legal proceedings against Jacky. They also apologised for the inconvenience brought to the actor, adding that they would not address the matter any further.

Jacky’s agency also stated: “The wise will not heed rumours. MGM has already provided an explanation as to why Mr Jacky Hueng was implicated in the incident."

Neither Jacky nor his family have spoken in response to the matter.

Photos: Xuan.my