Controversy Surrounds Wang Xiaofei's Family Amidst Xu Xiyuan's Passing

The recent actions of Zhang Lan, mother of businessman Wang Xiaofei and former mother-in-law to late Taiwanese actress Xu Xiyuan (also known as Barbie Hsu), have sparked outrage among the public.

According to Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday, a video leaked among Chinese netizens shows Zhang Lan dining happily with friends, including Zhao, just days after Xu Xiyuan's passing. This has led to criticism from netizens who found her behavior disrespectful, stating, "It's disgusting to see her smiling and enjoying herself so soon after the mother of her grandchildren has passed away."

Wang Xiaofei, who recently returned to Beijing with his new wife, left his two children with Xu Xiyuan in Taiwan and did not attend Xu's funeral. This has led to public backlash, with many saying, "Wang Xiaofei's love drama is over."

Wang Xiaofei was previously seen walking in the rain without an umbrella upon hearing the news of Xu's death, a gesture perceived by some as performative. Additionally, false rumors circulated that Zhang Lan covered the costs of Xu's funeral in Japan and the charter flight to Taiwan.

As a result, both Wang Xiaofei and Zhang Lan have faced account deletions on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and TikTok.

A netizen previously revealed that Wang Xiaofei and Zhang Lan are in debt of $142 million and allegedly used a trust in Taiwan under a relative's name to hide and launder money, causing public shock.

Xu Xiyuan's estate remains a contentious issue. She reportedly owned at least two luxury properties valued at approximately 600 million Taiwanese dollars. Under Taiwanese law, her two children are entitled to two-thirds of her estate, with Wang Xiaofei as their legal guardian.

Legal experts highlight Xu's mother as a key figure in the estate distribution, noting that she has the right to request the suspension of Wang Xiaofei's guardianship until the children reach adulthood. However, Wang Xiaofei retains the right to petition for the restoration of his guardianship, indicating ongoing legal battles.

Huang Chunmei, Xu's mother, expressed her determination, stating, "I will fight for justice. Please support me." This declaration is seen as a declaration of war against Wang Xiaofei and his family, with fans rallying to support her in seeking justice for Xu Xiyuan.

Meanwhile, singer DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), Xu Xiyuan's current husband, has vowed to protect Xu's family and children from Wang Xiaofei. He announced on social media, "The inheritance was earned by Xu Xiyuan for her beloved family, and I intend to give all rights to my mother-in-law." He also stated that legal measures would be taken to protect the children's rights until they reach adulthood.

DJ Koo criticized Wang Xiaofei and his family's actions, saying, "Even before the mourning period ended, malicious individuals began to slander our family and my love. Some pretend to be sad in the rain, while others spread false news about insurance and costs to hurt us."

Xu Xiyuan passed away on February 2nd due to acute pneumonia caused by influenza while traveling in Japan with her family for the Lunar New Year. Her remains were cremated in Japan and brought back to Taiwan for a tree burial.

Xu Xiyuan married Wang Xiaofei in 2011 and had a son and a daughter with him before divorcing in November 2021. She later married DJ Koo on February 8, 2022.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr