Fans of Zhou Xun, 27, an actress as famous as Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) in China, were expecting their idol’s first autobiography. But now their hopes are shattered.

At a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Zhou personally denied reports that her autobiography was soon to be published.

A lawyer for Zhou issued a statement asserting that they reserve the rights to bring the issue to court if anyone publishes a book in her name without permission.

Zhou was firing back after news reports said that her first autobiography was to be published by the Jiangsu Art Publishing House.

The false reports, which appeared in Chinese-language newspapers last week, claimed that Zhou would be revealing her life stories and romances in the alleged book.

But an investigation by Zhou’s agent revealed that the “book” turned out to be a combination of stories based on interviews of Zhou by a Guangzhou-based reporter, who also changed all the exchanges into first-person stories.

Zhou said her agent and she were puzzled at the author’s “neglect.”

Sh said she was never involved in writing, editing or proofreading the book. She added that neither she nor her agent authorized anyone to write such a book.

Chen Hu, the alleged writer of the book, reportedly called Zhou’s company to write a story about Zhou.

Li Xiaowan, Zhou’s agent, argued: “Chen asked for permission to include Zhou’s interview in a combination of interviews of different stars, and we agreed. But the book turned out to be an ‘autobiography’ and this is really too much.”

Li has alerted the publishing house, but Jiangsu Art Publishing House said they plan to go ahead with the book.

“We have signed an official contract with the writer, and we will follow the contract. The dispute between the author and Zhou Xun is their business.”

Chen had no immediate comment.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Lifestyle News
+Albright: Bin Laden comments were 'tongue-in-cheek' ( 2003-12-18) +Taiwan reports new case of SARS ( 2003-12-17) +Masterminds of Japanese orgy in Zhuhai get life ( 2003-12-17) +President urges boost for farmers' incomes ( 2003-12-17) +Beijing stresses 3-links policy ( 2003-12-17)		+Actress Zhou Xun denies rumors of autobiography ( 2003-12-18) +Toshiba develops tiny disk for phones ( 2003-12-18) +Kung Fu 'fairy tale' lives on ( 2003-12-18) +Bad boy rises to the top ( 2003-12-18) +Forum held to promote after-school education of teenagers ( 2003-12-17)