14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this week, it was revealed in the media that the son of the popular Asian action star Jackie Chan, Jaycee Chan, was arrested by Beijing police in connection with drug offenses. The bust was made by local police who acted on a tip off and it also involved some other celebrities.
Now, for the first time since the incident, Jackie Chan has broken the silence and decided to address the issue which was undoubtedly a very embarrassing issue for him, especially since he was named anti-drug ambassador back in 2009.
On his own website, Jackie issued a statement filled with regret which basically comes in to beg forgiveness for his son's transgressions. As expected, the actor takes some part of the blame for his son's actions, since he is the one responsible for his son's upbringing.
“First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for your care and concerns. The recent news about my son, Jaycee, is very shocking and the impact it has caused on society is heartbreaking. When I first heard the news, I was absolutely enraged,” Chan began his statement.
The 60-year-old actor goes on to reveal that “As a public figure, I feel very ashamed; as his dad, I’m very sad and disappointed. But the person who feels heartbroken the most is his mom.”
Jaycee, 31, was reported to have been arrested and subsequently tested positive for marijuana. He was later accused of “hosting others to take drugs,” which in China carries a greater punishment than actual consumption of the drug.
“I hope our younger generation will learn from Jaycee's mistake and stay far away from drug abuse,” writes Chan. His son is now facing up to three years in jail for his transgression if he is found guilty of his crime.
The police action was part of a nation-wide crackdown on drugs and drug use which has ballooned over the last decades with the slackening of political control, as well as with the rise in the standard of living.
The government is now trying to combat this phenomenon and it could be that celebrities are going to be used to be made examples of to scare the other users.
Chan also addresses his son in his statement and chastise him but also tries to comfort him, “You've done something wrong and you have to be responsible for the consequences. I'm your dad and I'll always be with you. We will face the road ahead of us together.”