25-1-2024 (LONDON) An unexpected clash at St. Pancras International station has ignited a heated global debate on public filming rights and cultural sensitivity. Brendan Kavanagh, an Irish pianist, encountered disruption during his live piano performance when a group wielding Chinese flags claimed to be filming for a Chinese television programme, alleging infringement of their portrait rights without consent.
The dispute, now the focus of international attention, has witnessed conflicting narratives from both parties involved. Liu Mengying, a participant in the incident, released a video asserting that they were not intending to disrupt Kavanagh’s broadcast but were provoked by him. This claim has faced skepticism, especially as prior footage showed seemingly amicable interactions.
Liu Mengying responded on the 23rd of January, explaining that the group was voluntarily filming for a mainland public service platform and was unaware of Kavanagh’s ‘commercial live stream.’ She insisted that they did not intrude into Kavanagh’s filming but were provoked by his jokes about their nationality, including a request for one of the female members to dance.
However, Kavanagh’s video from the 20th of January, recorded before the argument, showed an initial interaction where he mistook the group for a Japanese production crew. The encounter, initially friendly, included a member playing the piano at Kavanagh’s invitation. The dispute erupted when Liu Mengying expressed discomfort about being filmed, leading to a clash over public filming rights.
During the live stream, Kavanagh highlighted the freedom to film in public spaces, suggesting that those uncomfortable could move away. This led to a confrontation, with Adalina, a member of the group, claiming portrait rights and British nationality, demanding respect for their rights.
The incident has raised questions about Liu Mengying’s account, with some suggesting selective editing in her video. Public filming rights, as per Met Police and British Transport Police guidelines, indicate freedom for the public and media to film in public spaces without requiring permission.
The identities of the individuals involved have become a subject of speculation, with netizens identifying Newton Leng as the man accusing Kavanagh of discrimination and Adalina believed to be Zhang Ning, a host associated with the Chinese Embassy in the UK. Liu Mengying’s public records reveal her role in a job consulting firm, with her YouTube channel focusing on topics related to job hunting and living in the UK.
