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Gold House Celebrates Lunar New Year with Star-Studded Gala in New York City

2/14/2026, 6:24:56 AM

A Night of Celebration and Cultural Significance

On February 12, 2026, Gold House hosted its annual Lunar New Year celebration at Chinese Tuxedo in New York City, co-hosted by breakout stars Hudson Williams from "Heated Rivalry" and Yerin Ha from "Bridgerton." The event marked the arrival of the Year of the Horse, symbolizing strength, freedom, and forward motion, themes that resonated with many attendees, particularly Ha, who emphasized the importance of cultural representation in her work.

The gala attracted a diverse array of Asian Pacific talent, including Lola Tung and Sean Kaufman from "The Summer I Turned Pretty," Maitreyi Ramakrishnan from "Never Have I Ever," and chef Padma Lakshmi, among others. The evening featured a lively atmosphere with karaoke, mahjong games, and a dance floor that transformed into a vibrant party space as guests celebrated the Lunar New Year and Williams' 25th birthday.

Key Highlights of the Evening

Guests enjoyed a variety of culinary delights, including spring rolls and roast duck, paired with bespoke Hennessy cocktails. The ambiance was enhanced by Chinese red lanterns, creating a festive environment. Williams, who brought his mother as his date, was a focal point of the evening, engaging with attendees and showcasing his dance moves to popular tracks.

Ha took the opportunity to address the crowd, reflecting on her cultural identity and its influence on her role as Sophie Baek in "Bridgerton." Her remarks highlighted the significance of representation in Hollywood, expressing hope for a future where Asian actors are recognized for their talent rather than their ethnicity.

Notable Attendees and Their Perspectives

The guest list included prominent figures such as Bowen Yang, Eva Chen, and designers Prabal Gurung and Kim Shui. Yerin Ha expressed her excitement about the evolving landscape of Asian representation in entertainment, stating, “I’m just excited to hopefully get to a point where we don’t have to say that it’s ‘representation,’ and that it just is.”

The event served as a platform for both established and emerging talents to connect and celebrate their shared experiences, underscoring the importance of community in the entertainment industry.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While most sources agree on the key details of the event and its attendees, there are variations in the emphasis placed on specific moments and speeches, particularly regarding Ha's comments on representation. Some reports highlight her reflections more prominently than others, indicating a potential gap in the narrative surrounding the event's cultural significance.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “It’s a symbol of strength, a symbol of freedom, and a symbol of forward motion.” — Yerin Ha, Co-Host
  • “Spending time with them always reminds me of my roots and why I started [acting] in the first place; it’s always a good time for reflection.” — Yerin Ha, on the importance of family during Lunar New Year celebrations.
  • “The evening balanced festivity with reflection, creating space to celebrate progress while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it.” — Commentary on the event's atmosphere.

The Lunar New Year celebration at Chinese Tuxedo not only marked a festive occasion but also highlighted the growing visibility and influence of Asian Pacific artists in the entertainment industry, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.