Slain model Abby Choi called ‘birthing machine’ by ex-father-in-law, court hears

Former Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung's ex-father-in-law, Kwong Kau, allegedly called her a "birthing machine" and attempted to assault her before plotting with his two sons to murder her, a court heard on Tuesday. Choi's partner, Chris Tam Fong-chun, recounted a significant argument between the influencer and her former in-laws in mid-2022, which led to a breakdown in their relationship.

Choi had previously married Alex Kwong, 31, who is now on trial for murder alongside Anthony Kwong, 35, and their father, Kwong Kau, 68. Tam testified that Choi had misled his family by claiming her former in-laws were doing well financially, despite the flat in Kadooria residential complex being registered under Kwong Kau's name.

Tam initially did not question Choi about the property, believing her claims of a good life. Prosecutors argued that Kwong Kau registered the flat to avoid double stamp duty costs. The elder Kwong, a retired police sergeant, denies preventing the burial of Choi's body, an offence to which his two sons pleaded guilty. Tam met Choi around 2013-2014 and their relationship began in December 2015, eventually leading to the birth of their two children.

Choi lived with Tam's family in a luxurious Kowloon Tong residence and received monthly support from Tam's father. On a heated argument in June or July 2022, Choi accused her former mother-in-law, Jenny Li Sui-heung, of favoring sons over daughters. Kwong Kau allegedly lunged at Choi, calling her a "birthing machine" and attempting to strike her a second time, but Tam intervened. Choi later cut ties with the Kwong family, describing them as horrible and ungrateful.