Ronald Cheng and Sammie Yu in Turmoil

The glamorous life of Hong Kong singer Ronald Cheng, 53, and former TV anchor Sammie Yu, 45, is unraveling as they navigate a gripping divorce after 13 years of marriage. Recent sightings of the couple at the Wan Chai Family Court for a closed hearing have fueled public intrigue.

Alimony Disputes Spark Legal Drama

Reports reveal that the heart of their conflict lies in alimony, with Ronald allegedly offering a meager HK$8,000 (around $1.36K) per month. Sammie claims this amount is woefully inadequate to support their two children: 13-year-old Emma and 9-year-old Evan. The battle has taken a bitter turn, with Sammie asserting that their children's tuition fees alone exceed HK$10,000 ($1.7K) each month, not including other essential expenses.

Sammie's Shock Over Ronald's Offer

Sammie has expressed disbelief at Ronald’s lack of generosity, especially given his high-profile background. The couple's children deserve better, and she feels that Ronald's financial contributions should reflect that. Friends have reported her frustration, highlighting the disconnect between Ronald's wealth and his stingy offer.

Family Influence or Personal Issues?

Sources suggest that Ronald’s reluctance to be more generous stems from his father's strong influence. Norman Cheng, the patriarch and a tycoon in the music industry, reportedly insists that the grandchildren adhere to traditional financial arrangements within the Cheng family.

From Amicable to Adversarial: A Love Story Gone Wrong

Initially, Sammie hoped for an amicable separation, but with Ronald standing firm on his insufficient offer, she felt forced to escalate the matter legally. Their marital strife is believed to have been exacerbated by Ronald's tumultuous relationship with his former manager, Ho Hing Sheung, who remained deeply involved in both his professional and personal life.

Struggles with Mental Health and Marriage

Last year, Ronald publicly ended his long-standing partnership with Hing Sheung due to 'work and moral issues,' but the manager's persistent involvement reportedly contributed to the couple's breakdown. Adding to the complexity, Ronald has faced his own struggles with depression and alcoholism, making it difficult for him to prioritize healing over his musical career. This spiraling conflict with Sammie ultimately culminated in their divorce.

Sammie's Bold New Chapter

In a defiant statement to reclaim her happiness, Sammie celebrated her latest birthday surrounded by friends and children but without Ronald. Her Instagram post hinted at new beginnings: "Happy birthday to me. Start a new chapter." The couple has since unfollowed each other on social media, marking a definitive end to public attempts at reconciliation.

A Life Steeped in Controversy

Ronald Cheng is no stranger to scandal. His reputation took a nosedive in 2000 following a drunken incident on an airplane, and years later, his unexpected marriage and prompt divorce from singer Charlene Choi shocked fans. Now, as he faces this latest upheaval, many are left questioning just how far he will go to resolve this contentious legal battle.