Actor Donnie Yen will sue Vincent Zhao for slander, according to reports by Hong Kong media.

Yen made a statement on Sunday that the discontinued partnership with Zhao was the decision of the investors of "Special Identity." Yen said Zhao distorted the truth in interviews, claiming that he was forced out by Yen. Yen said it was a malicious act of slander, which Zhao used to promote himself.

Yen said he will sue Zhao for damaging his reputation, and that he reserved the right to pursue monetary damages.

"I am rather disappointed by Vincent Zhao's words," Yen said. "If I had made a mistake, it would have been my insistence in casting him in the movie. I have no energy to entangle myself in this issue. My lawyer has started on the case."

He added he and Zhao may never work together again.

The production crew of "Special Identity" announced on Feb. 29 that Zhao had officially stepped away from the film, disappointing fans hotly anticipating the collaboration between the two kung fu superstars. In a media interview published on March 15, Zhao blasted Yen for allegedly diminishing his lead role in the script. He said the film producers announced his removal also without prior discussions with him.

Yen is known for portraying Bruce Lee's master in the "Ip Man" movie franchise. Zhao starred in popular Hong Kong action film, "True Legend" (2010).

Zhao and wife Zhang Danlu attended a friend's wedding on Sunday and was asked about the indictment. His managers company said they could not comment on the case because of ongoing negotiations and confidential business agreements.

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