Christine Fan Makes Tearful Showbiz Comeback 1005 Days After Covid Mask Controversy

In 2020, Christine Fan, 46, found herself the target of netizens after her expletive-filled rant about the Taiwanese government’s ban on mask exports. 

The controversial move led her to take an extended hiatus from showbiz and the public eye, bar a short Instagram update on how she has been coping with the backlash.

Last week, Christine returned to the stage with a two-night concert, marking her first public appearance in 1005 days — yes, they kept count. She also sat for her first interview with Taiwanese media, who noted that the singer was so nervous, her palms were sweaty.

Speaking about the stability she has managed to regain after the controversy, Christine said: “[It’s] like a present given to me by God. I was in the wrong, and because of that mistake, I had three years to reflect and reassess, and reconcile with myself. [I] went back to school, became a full-time mum [and it] has allowed me to find the motivation to continue forward, to become the “right” Christine again.”

Christine, who is married to host Blackie Chen with whom she has seven-year-old twin sons, went on to call the controversy the lowest point of her career. 

“Of course I was very sad at the start, I kept thinking if this is my life now… it’s the biggest challenge I’ve faced since I was young! I hope that in the future I will not have to overcome tougher times, and I will happily be true to myself,” said Christine.

When asked if she ever thought of quitting singing altogether, Christine said she “couldn’t just because she said she wanted to”.

“I’m okay with whatever others want to say about me. I feel like I would just slowly fade away, and that’s alright. I’ve already fought a good war, the rest is up to fate!” she expressed.

As for her recent concert, Christine said it was to thank her fans who have supported her for the past 22 years.

“I really miss them. I recorded a new album in March, but it was never released. I also graduated in June, and I’ve returned to becoming a full-time mum for four months now. This concert is similar to me. I’ve returned to what I do best and most people who came are those who have followed me for more than 10 or 20 years. It feels like being with family” said Christine.

During her concert, Christine teared up as she sang ‘Laugh It Off'. She explained that she felt so emotional because she was touched by the audience who knew what she had been through.

They had turned on the flashlights on their phone, which she said made her feel like “they were using their own methods to comfort” her, at the same time telling her to “laugh it off” when it came to dealing with hateful comments.

“Time is a wonderful thing, it [allowed me] to witness the personalities and intentions of others. We always worry about who we would lose, but we might also be the ones that others worry about losing first. After disappearing for more than two years, I’ve learnt how to find balance. I am flawed and imperfect, but I am also free,” she added.

Christine also received bouquets of flowers from her celeb pals, including Barbie Hsu, Kevin Tsai and Wang Leehom.

Leehom’s card to her read: “Tonight, the grace brought by every single music note is your reward that has fallen from the heavens. Enjoy this moment that hasn’t come easy.” He signed off as “Your bro, Homeboy”.

When asked about how Leehom has been since his divorce scandal last year, Christine declined to say much about him except that he's been “doing well”. 

“[Leehom] is like a non-blood-related family member to me and Blackie, and we will always be his family."