Edison Chen Quits After Sex Scandal

Hong Kong actor/singer Edison Chen made his first public appearance since his sex scandal broke earlier today, announcing his stepping away from the entertainment industry to heal himself.

“I would like now to apologize to all the people for all the suffering that has been caused and the problems that have arisen from this,” Edison said at a press conference. “I would like to apologize to all the ladies and to all their families for any harm or hurt that they have been feeling. I am sorry.”

1,300 explicit photographs of Edison with a string of Hong Kong starlets and pop stars flooded the Internet over the past few weeks. The pictures were copied by the staff of a computer repair shop from a faulty laptop believed to belong to Edison.

“These photos were very private and have not been shown to people and were never intended to be shown to anyone,” the 27-year-old said. “I have failed as a role model. However I wish that this matter will teach everyone a lesson. I’ve decided to do this to give myself an opportunity to heal myself and to search my soul. I will dedicate my time to charity and community work within the next few months.”

Ten arrests in connection with the scandal have already been made by Hong Kong police.