Choy says his apology was not an admission of guilt
By SHAUN HO
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Businessman Darren Choy came into the spotlight when he was accused of enticing local TV personality Daphne Iking by her ex-husband Ryan Chong.
The two-year court case drew to a close on Monday after Choy, 46, apologised to Chong, 33, in the magistate’s court for causing him embarrassment.
On Wednesday, Chong told The Star that all he wanted was an apology from Choy. He and Iking, 33, officially divorced last year.
Choy, a former managing director of Adidas and now CEO of Team Lotus’ drink company EQ8, tells Sunday Star his side of the story.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
Q: What would you have done if you were in Ryan Chong’s shoes?
I would have definitely approached the (other) man and worked it out without going to court.
His action impacted many lives and by washing dirty linen in public like this, it certainly had its repercussions.
How is your family taking this episode?
My wife has been extremely supportive since the beginning and I am very thankful for that.
She is an amazing person and didn’t deserve to go through this ordeal.
I would not say our relationship has not been strained, and there were times she wanted to give up.
But she has stood by me. She is a great woman.
I have also explained the situation to my three children and they are glad it is over.
Have you spoken to Daphne recently?
No, I have not had any contact with her for a long time and I have no intention of contacting her unless absolutely necessary.
What did you think about Daphne when you first met? What do you think of her now?
I got to know her when she became a brand ambassador for Adidas. She performed her duties exceptionally.
She was very professional and did well to personify the brand.
I found her to be intelligent, smart and very articulate.
I have not been in touch with her for a long time and I don’t know.
The last thing I know is that she is happily married and has embraced Islam.
You declared in court that you are not the biological father of Daphne’s daughter, Isobel?
Two parents (mother and father) with O blood type cannot result in a child with A blood type, which is the blood type of Daphne’s child.
I have O blood type. I have never had a child with her.
How did you feel when you found out Isobel was not your daughter?
I would rather not comment on that. She is just a baby and I do not want to drag her into this.
What is your response to Chong’s statement after the case was settled?
I wanted to refrain from saying anything to the media for ethical reasons because the case has ended and is closed.
However, I feel his statement has put me in a different light.
I would like to clarify that this case is about enticement and my apology is not an admission of guilt, but an apology for embarrassing and humiliating him and his family.
He said he pursued the case when he found out. Why didn’t he approach me two-and-a-half years ago if he found out?
Were you accessible?
I was very contactable. Ryan could have had my number, my email address and he knew where I worked.
Even if he didn’t have my number, he could have gotten it from his ex-wife.
He has said that all he wanted was an apology?
He did not have to go through the legal process.
Everything he did up to the last day of the court proceedings didn’t point to him wanting only an apology. Money played a part.
For a start, without making any attempt to talk to me or approach me, he sent a letter of demand accusing me of having an affair with his wife and bearing a child with her.
He also demanded RM5mil from me.
He is trying to portray himself as magnanimous by saying that he only wants an apology and once he gets it, he would “forget about the whole thing”.
But his actions do not show it.
Did you try to work things out with him for an amicable solution?
Yes, there were two attempts at an amicable solution but the other side was adamant on pushing on with the case.
Would you say you understand his feelings as a man?
Yes, I can understand that he is enraged. However, he made no indication of wanting to settle it like a gentleman but took it upon himself to take the legal route.
He went to great lengths to show that he wanted to destroy me or maybe teach me a lesson.
Why do you say this?
It was stated in their divorce petition that he was out to destroy Daphne and myself.
Do you have anything else to say?
As far as I am concerned, the court has already acquitted me and we should all accept the decision.
Many innocent lives have been hurt by this saga and we should let bygones be bygones. Let’s not put egos at play.
I would like to be on talking terms with everybody and I wish them well in their future undertakings.