The troubled 22-year-old Canto-pop idol, who was convicted of switching drivers when he crashed his Ferrari, had been told that a jail sentence was likely. Tse faces another two trials this month for speeding, including a crash that left his blue Audi in a crumpled heap. With the jail term unlikely to be the end of Tse's legal problems, the soft drinks giant is now reviewing its relationship with Tse.
"Coca-Cola is currently reviewing the verdict and will be discussing the verdict and sentencing with Mr Tse and his management, said a spokesperson for the brand.
At his court case earlier this month Tse was photographed by Apple Daily arriving at court for the verdict clutching a can of the soft drink.
Industry experts believe the conviction could leave sponsors wary. "Lying to pervert the course of justice is clearly a more serious issue than crashing a car and it is unlikely that brands would want to associate themselves with a proven liar, said Adrian New, vice-president of sponsorship consultancy Redmandarin.
Tse also fronts for travel agency group Hong Thai Travel, fast-food chain Fairwood and Nissin noodles. The companies declined to comment on whether they would retain Tse. The star earns an estimated HK$20 million (US$2.6 million) in sponsorship, concerts and movies a year. But the paucity of troubled, rebel figures in the entertainment world could also work in Tse's favour. Chris Jacques, chairman of The Bigthinking Group, said: "His appeal to the youth market makes him a premium personalities. Rebellion isn't a part of Chinese upbringing, but these kids need a part of the world that's not a part of their parents. Tse'not anti-authority, but just naughty enough to make him interesting."
