We didn’t write condolences memo: Vitasoy

Vitasoy on Saturday said it did not issue an internal memo that offered condolences to the family of a police-stabbing suspect who worked at the company.

The memo claimed the company had gotten in touch with his family and would provide assistance if needed, after the purchasing department officer also knifed himself and died on the handover anniversary.

In a statement on its Weibo account, Vitasoy said it was in fact a staff member who wrote and circulated the memo, which contained “extremely inappropriate” content, without authorisation.

It said the document should not have been published, adding that it reserves the right to take legal action against the worker.

The drinks company apologised over the incident, noting that it had “upset” people, and stressed that it condemns acts of violence.

The statement was issued after two mainland celebrities who participated in an ad campaign with Vitasoy distanced themselves from the company.

It had also said in a separate statement that it would fully support the police investigation according to the national security law, and that officers had visited its Hong Kong office on Friday morning.