NOC workplace harassment saga: Sylvia Chan apologises, says ‘I did not step up to the standards that I should have upheld’

Singapore ― In a continuation of the workplace harassment allegations against Night Owl Cinematics (NOC) co-founder Sylvia Chan, a much sought-after apology has been given. The 33-year-old Singaporean YouTuber took to Instagram on Wednesday (Oct 13) to acknowledge she has “not lived up to the standards” expected of her, noting she has disappointed people around her. The timeline:

• On Oct 7, Instagram page @sgcickenrice began sharing allegations against Ms Chan with screenshots and audio clips of Ms Chan hurling expletives on her employees.

Ms Chan reportedly called one of their talents named Samantha “f**king dumb” and planned an “exit strategy” for her.

• Colgate confirmed it has terminated “all related collaborations” with Ms Chan on Oct 9 through an Instagram comment. Beverage brand Milo also said it wasn’t working with Ms Chan on any brand ambassadorships.
• On Monday (Oct 11), NOC sent a cease and desist letter to @sgcickenrice, demanding it stops publishing allegations. @sgcickenrice uploaded a copy of the lawyer’s letter.
• On the same day, NOC uploaded a statement on Instagram – consisting of four pages – explaining that the company believes the accusations were made to harm the company’s reputation.

NOC noted that the “cherry-picked” clips and screenshots posted online between “private individuals” will be investigated by authorities.

• On Tuesday (Oct 12), @sgcickenrice uploaded a photo by Eugene Thuraisingam, a law firm representing the anonymous Instagram account on a pro bono basis.

The letter reads, “We have just been instructed to act for SGCICKENRICE and have been handed a copy of your letter to our client on 11 October 2021.” “Your letter was sent to our client after 6 pm on 11 October 2021. You asked that our client take action by 10 am on 12 October 2021.”.

• On Wednesday (Oct 13), Ms Chan uploaded eight photos on her Instagram page consisting of her statement on the issue.

“Were these claims taken out of context? Were they private conversations? Am I penalised today for what I might have said in my 20s?” asked Ms Chan, highlighting the thoughts that passed through her mind the last two weeks. “Regardless of the situation or context, I acknowledge that I have disappointed people around me. I did not step up to the standards that I should have upheld, and I have instances where my emotions overrule my better judgment,” she noted. Ms Chan apologised to her teams and promised to do better. “It is heartbreaking to see NOC, a company which has provided love and laughter to its audience and a stellar track record of campaigns for clients for almost 10 years, be taunted by an anonymous account intent to cancel and destroy them through this campaign against me,” said Ms Chan. Ms Chan also said she would be removed from NOC’s lineup of artistes. “I agree alongside with the leadership team, that as a talent and content creator, I do not deserve the current job opportunities NOC offers.” Her full statement is as follows: /TISG Read related: NOC vs. @sgcickenrice saga: Anonymous Instagram account that highlighted allegations on Sylvia Chan gets pro bono law representation https://theindependent.sg/noc-vs-sgcickenrice-saga-anonymous-instagram-account-that-highlighted-allegations-on-sylvia-chan-gets-pro-bono-law-representation/