Ian only knew one way to cope with the stress and negativity.
“Smoking and drinking is not good ah, but during that time I had no choice,” he said.
“My meals [comprised of] three siu mai and one curry puff from Esso Toa Payoh, the petrol station. I would get one bottle of whiskey and three packets of cigarettes every single day. I also don’t know why I became like that. When I went to pay money, looking at the stands that [display] newspapers, I would see my face on the front page. For seven days. Then the cashier auntie would say “your girlfriend so good, why you do this kind of thing to hurt her?”.”
Ian said he has never spoken about the situation to anyone until now.
He also tried to work on his relationship with his girlfriend but everything, he said, was “shattered” and “a struggle”.
“During that time, I also felt that life was very unfair. But life is unfair. People would say that “Wah Ian [become] like that” but [the actress involved in the scandal] was still getting a lot of engagement and shows,” he added.
He eventually realised the importance of not paying mind to what other people think, because “eventually, nobody will give a s*** about you”.
“They will just talk and go about their own business. Nobody will put you in their mind 24/7. During that time, I would read every single thing, and people would say the nastiest things I’ve heard,” he said.
As for what he’s been busy with since leaving Mediacorp, Ian said he’s now working on other ventures. He is a partner with haircare and lifestyle essentials brand Elpha International, and an ambassador for Amps Tea. He is also creating his own content for social media, and is teaching kids drama at First Model.
He’s had several auditions in the past year but has yet to book a project.
“Acting is still my biggest passion out of everything. I definitely [want to act again]. I can’t wait for that,” he said.
Watch the full Rise ‘n Shine podcast with Ian below.