Hong Kong actress Carman Lee. Photo from Lee’s Weibo

According to AsiaOne, Lee, who has expanded into e-commerce livestreaming in recent years, had endorsed products from healthcare brand YouthIt, a brand marketed as originating from Australia.

However, a report released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday revealed that several of its products were actually manufactured in China. The investigation also found that the brand’s origin story and purported international awards had been fabricated.

In a statement released the same day, Lee said she was “deeply shocked, angry and filled with remorse” upon learning of the allegations.

“First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere apologies to all the fans who trusted me and purchased YouthIt products,” read the statement. “I’m so sorry!”

Lee acknowledged that she failed to conduct a thorough background check on the brand during the product selection and testing process, calling it a “serious dereliction of duty” that disappointed her supporters.

Lee also announced a series of remedial measures through the statement. Customers who purchased the products through her livestreams or online store will be eligible for full refunds, regardless of the purchase date or whether the items have been opened. A dedicated after-sales team has also been established to handle customer inquiries and claims.

“We will issue a full refund on the same day,” Lee stated.

The actress also pledged to take full responsibility for the incident.

“I know that a simple apology cannot erase the impact this incident has had on everyone,” the statement said. “I hope my followers will allow me to prove my sincerity and commitment to change through concrete actions.”

Other public figures who had promoted YouthIt products, including actress Teresa Cheung, have also issued apologies following the revelations.

China Daily reported that prior to the investigation, YouthIt’s lutein supplements ranked among the top imported products in their category on several e-commerce platforms. The brand’s full lutein line has reportedly sold more than 4 million bottles nationwide.

Lee, now 60, began her career as a flight attendant before entering the entertainment industry. She made her acting debut in 1990, but it was her portrayal of Xiaolongnü in TVB’s 1995 adaptation of Jin Yong’s “The Return of the Condor Heroes” that cemented her fame.

Her performance received widespread acclaim, with Jin Yong praising her as an ideal embodiment of the character.