HONG KONG — A viral video showing a 5-year-old girl being slapped at a Hong Kong shopping mall has taken a new turn after three women appeared in court and were granted bail on Thursday, September 3.
The case stems from a confrontation at the atrium of APM shopping mall in Kwun Tong on August 26, where a dispute involving children at a play area allegedly escalated into a physical fight among three women.
The defendants were identified as 68-year-old Leung Lai-ha, her 34-year-old daughter Ng Ka-wun, and 34-year-old Xu Yang, the mother of the young girl seen in the widely circulated footage. All three face a charge of fighting in a public place, while Leung faces an additional common-assault charge relating to the girl.
What the viral video showed
Footage that spread rapidly online appeared to show Leung shoving the young girl before slapping her across the face, causing the child to fall to the ground.
The disturbing scene triggered widespread anger on social media, where users shared the video and attempted to identify those involved.
However, reports from Hong Kong media indicate that the footage circulating online does not show how the confrontation began. Police inquiries reportedly found that the dispute may have started after two children argued over the use of play equipment at the mall.
South China Morning Post further reported that investigators suspected the 68-year-old woman had been struck before the moment captured in the viral footage. That detail has added another layer to a case that initially appeared straightforward from the short video circulating online.
Three women now facing charges
According to court information reported by CNA and Hong Kong media, Leung and Ng are mother and daughter, while Xu is the mother of the 5-year-old girl.
The three women were jointly charged with participating in an unlawful fight in a public place. Leung additionally faces a common-assault charge over the alleged assault of the child.
The case was heard at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Each defendant was granted HK$5,000 bail. As part of their bail conditions, they must not return to APM shopping mall or contact prosecution witnesses. The court also imposed additional restrictions on Xu, who holds a two-way entry permit, including a requirement not to leave Hong Kong and not to discuss the case with her daughter.
Court hearing postponed to November
The case was adjourned until November 5 to give the defence time to obtain documents and discuss possible alternative ways of disposing of the case with prosecutors.
That means Thursday’s hearing was not a verdict. No final judgment or conviction has been issued at this stage, and the allegations remain matters before the court.
Social media backlash adds another dimension
The incident generated intense online reaction, but the aftermath also raised concerns about the dangers of online vigilantism.
CNA reported that internet users circulated personal information about one of the women, including her name, profession and the reported address of her employer. The company subsequently confirmed that the employee had been suspended while internal procedures were being conducted.
The case highlights how quickly a short social-media video can ignite public outrage before authorities have established the full sequence of events.
For now, the viral footage remains only part of the evidence surrounding the confrontation. The court proceedings will determine how the allegations are ultimately resolved.
The next major development is expected when the case returns to Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court on November 5.
WWC ONE MEDIA MJE
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