Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, the lead in "Curse of the Golden Flower," issued a written statement officially denying the rumor that he had said moviegoers who made positive remarks about the film were paid off by the studio.

According to Chow's statement published on the popular Web portal sina.com.cn, the rumor was fabricated by a reporter who failed to get a ticket for the film. Chow did not identify the reporter or the media the reporter works for.

Chow had demanded an apology to him and the production company, Beijing New Picture Film Co., from the reporter and the publisher.

To qualify for consideration for the Academy Award's Best Foreign Language Film, "Curse of the Golden Flower" has been going through a 10-day prerelease run in Beijing.

It is only being shown once a day and tickets are in high demand.

So far, response has been good.

Editor: Donald