Recap | Michael Jackson misdirects, Princess Di disappoints fashionistas and Bill Clinton makes history

Explore the stories behind celebrity visits to Hong Kong, from Michael Jackson’s deceptive 1987 trip to Bill Clinton’s 1998 arrival as the first sitting US president.

Media frenzies, fashion faux pas, historic firsts, cinematic controversies and even a chilly Chaplin chiding Hong Kong’s weather are all here in these trips by the famous to our fair city.

1. Michael Jackson sent Hong Kong media on a merry chase in private visit to city

The King of Pop’s private trip to Hong Kong in 1987 turned into a media frenzy at the airport but an elaborate ruse fooled reporters into pursuing a female impersonator and a quirky “minder” named Dr Penguin. When the genuine superstar went to Ocean Park theme park, the jig was up.

2. Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard got a chilly reception in Hong Kong … but not from the locals

When silent-screen legend Chaplin visited in March 1936 with his fiancée, actress Paulette Goddard, he exclaimed: “I never thought it could be as cold as this in Hong Kong.” But the pair were greeted by enthusiastic crowds when their ship docked and the film idol gave an interview to the press.

3. Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s visit prompted raised eyebrows over her fashion choices

Charles and Di were in Hong Kong for a three-day official visit in 1989, for the grand opening of the Cultural Centre, in Tsim Sha Tsui. But there were mixed reactions to Diana’s choice of a cream sequinned, high-collared gown for the occasion … however her dazzling diamond tiara, which had belonged to Queen Mary, stole the show.

4. James Bond star Roger Moore slammed ‘pornographic violence’ in films when in town to shoot The Man with the Golden Gun

In 1974, Moore was in Hong Kong preparing to shoot scenes for his next Bond outing when he voiced disapproval of excessive violence in cinema, sparking a conversation about film content standards. During a press conference Moore critiqued films such as Straw Dogs and The Exorcist, deeming them gratuitously gory and unnecessary.

5. Bill Clinton’s 1998 visit a first by sitting US president and first international flight into Chek Lap Kok airport

Amid diplomatic tensions, Clinton’s arrival at the newly opened Hong Kong International Airport in Air Force One marked a historic first visit to the city by an incumbent US president. His time in Hong Kong included a gala dinner, a harbour cruise and a controversial meeting with Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming

Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.