Leslie told reporters years ago that he was "bisexual" and revealed his ongoing relationship with his lover, Daffy Tong (a.k.a. Tong Tong). Leslie Cheung is one of the few openly gay celebrities in Hong Kong. As a highly talented performer, he quickly gained acceptance in the entertainment industry when he came out.

According to sources in Hong Kong, Leslie's 17-year relationship with Tong Tong was on the rocks. The latter was not present at Leslie's birthday party in September last year. Since then, they were said to be in an "open relationship".

Cracks in their relationship began to show years ago. Neighbours of the couple told reporters that they often quarrelled late at night and in the heat of argument, glass-breaking noises could also be heard. It was reported that Tong Tong bought an apartment with another guy by the surname "Chen" back in 1998. While Leslie was said to be dating his assistant, Kenneth.

However, Leslie did attempt to make their relationship work. In May 2002, he was seen praying at a temple in Hong Kong and tied a red string around their names attached to the incense urn. To quell rumours of their souring relationship, they often appeared together in late 2002.

Leslie had not been active in the entertainment scene in the last few years. His last album in 2002, "Crossover", was a joint-effort with Anthony Wong. It was marketed on SGBOY.COM by Universal Music Singapore. The Cantonese EP featured songs such as "So far, So near" and the theme song of the 1997 movie "Happy Together" where Leslie and Tony Leung played a gay couple in Buenos Aires.

Leslie left a death note at the hotel in which he said his life has been very painful and the past one year was extremely tough and unbearable. He also thanked Tong, his family and Lydia Sum. He ended off by saying, "I have never done anything bad in my life, why must it be like this?"