CHINESE actress Zhang Yizi denied allegations Wednesday that she had been under investigation for accepting money to have sex with a former official and barred from leaving the mainland.

Zhang dismissed the rumors at a press conference in Haikou, Hainan Province, when she attended the 12th China Film Media Awards. Organizers said Zhang deliberately flew from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and then back to Haikou to rebuff the exit-barring rumors.

Hong Kong’s Apple Daily, as well as several other media publications, reported Tuesday that a wealthy associate of the former Chinese official has confessed that he first paid Zhang 6 million yuan (US$944,244) to have sex with her in 2007.

Reports said he later negotiated deals for the official to have sex with Zhang in Beijing at least 10 times between 2007 and 2011. The reports further claimed that Zhang’s “sexual transactions” with various rich and powerful figures have made her 700 million yuan over the past decade.

Several media outlets are speculating that the investigations into these allegations could explain why Zhang was absent from the recent Cannes Film Festival. Zhang’s new film, “Dangerous Liaisons,” premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Her co-star, Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung, was in attendance.

Zhang’s publicist released a statement Tuesday, saying the rumors “sent stone-cold chills down our spines and have left us with a feeling of deep sadness.”

“During the last month, Zhang has been working day and night on the set of ‘The Grandmasters,’” the team said.

Zhang’s team continued: “The more you argue, the more you will stir up. It would be better to step aside until people lose interest and the lies disappear. But this time we don’t want to be silent. If we leave these lies to spread, what is completely untrue will be at risk of becoming a half-truth.”

“We will seek justice for Zhang Ziyi by taking legal action against Apple Daily and any other media publishing these false reports.”

Hong Kong law firm Hadlanes has sent a letter to Apple Daily. Hadlanes asked for a complete retraction and an open apology and has reserved the rights to proceed with legal actions and claim damages.(SD-Agencies)