Jackie Chan’s son apologizes for drugs ‘mistakes’

BEIJING, China – The son of kung fu star Jackie Chan apologized Saturday, February 14, for making “mistakes” after serving 6 months in a Chinese jail for drugs offenses.

Jaycee Chan, who like his father has worked as an actor and singer, was released from prison on Friday.

“I made mistakes, I will remember this lesson, I won’t commit mistakes again in the future,” he said in Beijing.

“I want to apologize to everyone for my mistakes. I’m genuinely sorry.”

Chan was detained in August and charged with providing a venue for others to use drugs after police found 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of marijuana at his home in Beijing.

The 32-year-old had already spent 5 months in prison when he was sentenced in January after pleading guilty to the crime.

“I haven’t been a very good role-model for the youth, I feel really ashamed,” he said.

At least 10 locally-known stars were detained on drug-related charges last year, according to state-run media.

Experts say the arrests are part of a wider campaign by Beijing to promote morality. Chinese authorities have also targeted prostitution and the broader illegal drugs trade over the past year.

Jaycee Chan has featured in several films but not yet won the acclaim earned by his father, one of Asia’s best-known actors with a string of Hollywood hits to his name. – Rappler.com