Michael Bay & HK Cops Beaten by Local Thugs

This came quite a surprise to hear that Michael Bay was assaulted by 3 local store owners-cum-thugs who is seizing the opportunity to extort a huge sum of money using the movie shooting as an excuse of their businesses being disrupted.

Hong Kong is well known for it’s gangland notoriety just as portrayed by their triad movies from Young & Dangerous to TVB serials. And Michael Bay has it, first hand experience to his face.

Scene of chaos

Three accompanying HK cops who intervene were also injured as a result from the fracas when the assailants known as the Mak brothers and their friend extorted and punched Michael Bay when he refused to entertain them.

Back to work

Police spokesman said that the Mak brothers demanded HKD 100,000 (about $12,900) as a ‘fee’. It was not really clear what exactly motivated the demand.

Bay who sustained minor injuries denied treatment and went on with his crew to continue filming. All three assailant was arrested and treated of their injuries, including the three Hong Kong policemen.

Three injured HK cops treated

Not sure what were these local thinking but their actions is bringing shame to Hong Kong as the movie was heavily backed by the government and business owners.

It was a fair treatment IMHO when the rich had their properties showcased as well as the less privileged who operate in small crowded street with small businesses and peddlers making ends meet, both enjoyed the fame that filming will bring them after the movie was released.

Local economy does not deserve this

In the long run, it will boost tourism as fans like me would certainly come to Hong Kong someday to take snapshots of the Transformers 4 filming location in Hong Kong.

My question to these folks is – what were they thinking??

Pic credit: Sharp Daily HK