Apple Daily, a Chinese-language newspaper known for racy celebrity gossip and strong criticism of the Chinese communist authorities, did not reply to requests for comment.
The story was removed from the newspaper’s website after Zhang threatened to sue last month, but circulated widely through the internet.
Zhang also denied Apple Daily’s assertion that she was now under investigation by Chinese authorities and was barred from leaving China.
Apple Daily and Next Magazine are both owned by Hong Kong entrepreneur Jimmy Lai.
A spokesman for the actress, whose other films include “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Rush Hour 2”, said in a post on Chinese social media that Ms Zhang “will not tolerate the recent irresponsible media rumours”.
“The legal proceedings mean that we have started down the road to maintaining her legal rights and interests. Justice can be expected soon,” he said.
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