The man in the centre of a sex scandal finally showed his face yesterday.

A sombre Edison Chen admitted that he took most of the widely circulated photos showing him and several women performing sexual acts.

He spoke publicly for the first time on the episode that has sent shockwaves across the Chinese showbiz.

"These photos were very private and have not been shown to people and were never intended to be shown to anyone," he said at a press conference, adding that the pictures were distributed without his approval.

"There's no doubt whoever obtained these photos had been uploading them on the Internet with malicious and deliberate intent," he said.

"I have failed as a role model. However, I wish that this matter will teach everyone a lesson."

Hong Kong police have arrested several people on suspicion of violating local laws governing obscene material, including the man accused of taking the photos from a laptop taken to a shop for repairs.

Police in Taiwan and China have nabbed about a dozen people this week for allegedly possessing and distributing the photos.

Chen, who returned to Hong Kong yesterday, apologised profusely for the photos and said he would take an indefinite break from the Hong Kong entertainment scene after fulfilling outstanding contracts, and devote himself to charity and community work.

Wearing a black jacket over an untucked striped shirt and dark blue jeans, he appeared nervous. He took a deep breath before reading a prepared statement in English to several hundred reporters who were cordoned off from the actor by several metal barriers.

"I would like to apologise to all the ladies and to all their families for any harm or hurt they have been feeling. I'm sorry," he said, without identifying the women.

"I hope after today, I can have your forgiveness... I hope you all will accept my apologies and give me a chance," he said.

He also apologised to his parents and thanked the police "for their hard work on this case". -AGENCIES