Jackie Chan's son apologizes after release from jail

Jaycee Chan (L), son of kung fu star Jackie Chan, bows to apologize at a news conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 14, 2015. The 32-year-old Jaycee Chan made an apology during the news conference held after his release on Friday from a six-month imprisonment for allowing people to use marijuana in his apartment. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Jaycee Chan, son of kung fu star Jackie Chan, said on Saturday his father didn't attempt to use his influence to lessen his sentence.

The younger Chan made the remarks when making an apology and asking for a second chance following his release from a six-month jail sentence for allowing people to use marijuana in his apartment.

Chan's saga has captivated the Chinese public partly because his father was named an anti-drug ambassador in 2009.

The 32-year-old said at a Saturday news conference that he was rededicating himself to his family and entertainment business career.

He described a contemplative life behind bars consisting of history discussions with a cell mate and reading about Buddhism.

At one point Chan recited a quote from a philosophy book he read while inside. The book, he told reporters, was written by a Taiwan Buddhist master and entitled "Put it down."

Chan's news conference was broadcast live on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, sending a signal that Beijing hopes to gain from the high-profile case amid a sweeping anti-drugs crackdown.

China has detained a string of celebrities on drug-related and prostitution charges. On Thursday, popular Chinese singer Yin Xiangjie was prosecuted in Beijing for possession of drugs.

Beijing police arrested 45-year-old Yin in a residential community in Chaoyang District in December and seized 13.93 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 1.02 grams of marijuana.

The Beijing Trade Association for Performances said in September it would not hire any stars involved in drug abuse or prostitution. Sixteen Chinese production companies also pledged not to hire stars involved in prostitution, drugs or gambling.

He said he has no excuse for the behavior that led to his arrest in August alongside Taiwan actor Kai Ko and others.

Speaking softly and wearing a dark-coloured suit, the 32-year-old entertainer told reporters in Beijing he would dedicate his energy toward film and music projects and spend more time with his distraught mother.

"As a public figure, this incident has had a negative impact on society, disappointed people who supported me, and caused losses for people who have worked with me," said Chan, who extended a deep bow of apology before and after his remarks.

On Aug 14, 2014, Beijing police arrested Jaycee and Taiwan movie Ko, who were both tested positive for marijuana and admitted to having used the drug. Police discovered 117.7 grams of marijuana in a bedroom at Jaycee's house.

Ko was released after 14 days detention. Jaycee was sentenced to six months in prison and fined 2,000 yuan (US$326) for drug offenses by the Dongcheng District People's Court in Beijing on Jan 9.