HONG KONG  Mar. 03, 2008  (Credits thestandard.com.hk and SingTao)

An unscripted drama erupted at the Hong Kong public memorial service for Lydia Shum Din-ha (Fei Fei) this weekend when a longtime friend of the comedienne launched an attack on Fei Fei's former husband in front of more than 6,000 grieving fans, friends, and family.

When it was time for Alan Tang Kwong-Wing (Lydia's god-brother) to go onstage to give his tribute, the atmosphere became awkward. He said "I'm not sure what to say, Lydia, a lot of friends miss and praise you. I've never cried for a friend, this is my first time. Lydia was very filial, her mother passed away and she worried for Joyce. A lot of friends will help you watch Joyce."

Then, he angrily asked, "The strangest part, Joyce doesn't have a father? Why does the responsibility fall to her uncles and aunts?" Upon hearing this, there was a loud applause. Tang continued, "Why do we only see Adam now? For today's tribute, thanks to TVB, Ms. Chan Suk Fan, and the hard work of all friends."

"Adam, come up and tell all of us, what have you done for Lydia these few years? What have you done for Joyce? If you say you don't want to take care of your daughter, fine, just come up!"

Cheng, who was not scheduled to speak, then went on stage accompanied by daughter Joyce Cheng Yan-yee. When seeking to explain why he missed Shum's funeral service and burial in Canada, he turned toward Joyce and asked if he could reveal the truth. He was interrupted by yells of "shut up" before Joyce shook her head.

Cheng said he had tried on many occasions to visit Shum when she was in hospital, but his daughter turned him down, fearing it would further exhaust her mother. He also defended his role as a father, saying he had often invited Joyce for dinner, around Christmas and New Year, though Joyce preferred to spend more time with her mother. As such, their contacts were mainly restricted to the telephone.

As he tried explaining his role, Cheng was constantly interrupted with yells of "It's an excuse," until Joyce came to her father's rescue.

Joyce said: "I think many of these things were caused by misunderstandings. Today this ceremony is to remember Mommy. Do not allow gossip or those with bad intentions to affect how we remember her."

Joyce said it did not matter what people said. More important was for her and her father to understand each other.

After he left the stage, Cheng tried to talk to Tang but the latter waved him away. "You can interpret what we said as you like," Tang said later.

Fans from all over the world had waited outside the Coliseum from as early as 7am for the service, many holding champagne roses - the flower loved by Fei Fei. Among them were women who grew up listening to Shum's signature laugh, teenagers who admired her bravery and children who came with their parents.

The arena was decorated with a golden curtain, hearts composed of 10,000 champagne roses and white orchids, and four pictures of Shum. The ceremony began at 2.05pm with clips, pictures and a videotape of Shum's Canadian funeral being shown.

Many in the audience - fans and stars - wept as they remembered the joy and friendship Shum had provided them.

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