Actress Isabella Leong, ex-girlfriend of Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li reportedly dating Chinese director Marc Ma

According to Dimsum Dailythe speculations arose after Leong and Ma were seen together recently at a café in Beijing, China.

Witnesses reported seeing the couple holding hands as they exited the venue, sparking rumors about a potential romance.

Marc Ma, known for his role in the 2013 film “The White Storm,” has since ventured into directing, achieving success with both critics and at the box office, notably with his 2023 film “Wolf Hiding” as reported by China Daily.

Leong, 36, born to Portuguese and Chinese parents, began her career as a model before gaining fame as an actress in the 2008 Hollywood film “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”

She previously dated Richard Li, with whom she has three children. They separated in 2011 after meeting in 2008. On the Chinese talk show “A Date With Luyu,” Leong cited Li’s popularity with women as a reason for their split.

“He was so popular with women, and I couldn’t accept that. I wanted to live with confidence,” she said.

Actress Isabella Leong in August 2024. Photo courtesy of Leong’s Instagram

The actress denied allegations that she was paid HKD500 million (nearly US$64 million) to end her relationship with Li.

Li, 58, is the second son of Li Ka-shing. He currently serves as chairman of PCCW Limited, Hong Kong’s largest telecom company.

As of 2024, Forbes ranked Li as the 19th richest person in Hong Kong, with a net worth of US$4.5 billion.