Ian Fang drank whiskey and smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day to deal with online hate during his leaked direct message scandal in 2019

Ian only knew one way to deal with stress and negativity.

“Smoking and drinking is not good ahbut during that time I had no choice,” he said.

“My meals (made up of) three siu mai and a curry puff from Esso Toa Payoh, the petrol station. I would get a bottle of whiskey and three packs of cigarettes every day. I don’t know why I became like this either. When I went to pay money, looking at the stands that (display) the newspapers, I saw my face on the cover. For seven days. Then the cashier aunty said “your girlfriend so good, why do you do this kind of thing to hurt her?”.

Ian said he had never discussed the situation with anyone until now.

He also tried to work on his relationship with his girlfriend but everything, he said, was “broken” and “a struggle”.

“During that time, I also felt that life was very unfair. But life is unfair. People would say, ‘Wah Ian (become) like that,’ but (the actress involved in the scandal) was still getting a lot of engagement and shows,” he added.

Eventually, he realized the importance of not caring what other people think, because “in the end, nobody’s going to give a damn about you.”

“They’ll just talk and mind their own business. Nobody’s going to have you on their mind 24/7. During that time, I was reading all the stuff and people were saying the nastiest things I’ve ever heard,” he said.

As for what he’s been busy with since leaving Mediacorp, Ian said he’s now working on other companies. He is a partner of hair care and lifestyle essentials brand Elpha International and an ambassador for Amps Tea. He is too creating your own content for social mediaand it is teaching children’s theater at First Model.

She has auditioned several times in the past year, but has yet to book any projects.

“Acting is still my biggest passion of all. I definitely (want to act again). I can’t wait for it,” she said.

Watch the full Rise ‘n Shine podcast with Ian below.