SINGAPORE, May 21 -- The former assistant of Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has issued a public apology for fabricating audio recordings of the star, in what she admitted was an attempt to pressure her former company into paying compensation.

Lee, the daughter of veteran Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, had earlier found herself embroiled in controversy after audio clips surfaced online in which she was allegedly heard insulting Chinese nationals. The recordings drew backlash across Chinese social media platforms.

In a Weibo post today, Lee's management agency China Artiste Management confirmed that the recordings were doctored by the assistant, following a police investigation.

The agency said the incident stemmed from a personal dispute ...