BEIJING (SCMP): One of China’s most talked-about influencers, Ye Ke, recently announced she was quitting social media following intense speculation about her relationship with renowned Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming.
The speculation revolved around a reported child support of 270 million yuan (US$37 million) that Ye is demanding of Huang.
Huang, 46, was married to Chinese actress and model Angelababy, whose Chinese name is Yang Ying.
The pair divorced in 2022, and Angelababy got custody of their seven-year-old son, nicknamed Little Sponge.
In mid-September, rumours about Huang and Ye began circulating online, prompting Huang to publicly confirm the relationship online.
Ye, who is 15 years younger than Huang, was born and raised in Shenzhen in southern China, and graduated from Shenzhen University with a degree in broadcasting.
From a family of real estate entrepreneurs, Ye initially worked as a radio host before founding a biotechnology company and later expanded her business into cosmetics, restaurants and e-commerce.
Since their relationship was announced, public interest in Ye has intensified, bringing her past and personal life under the spotlight.
Ye faced scrutiny due to claims that she attended a “celebrity wife training class” which was designed to help women marry into wealthy families by enhancing their social media presence, and developing emotional intelligence to provide “emotional value” to affluent men.
Also, recent allegations have emerged claiming that she is demanding 270 million yuan in child support from Huang.
Reports indicate that Ye is pregnant and plans to keep the child, with expectations of a significant financial contribution from Huang.
Ye responded to the rumours on November 10, officially denying the accusations, further announcing her decision to leave social media.
“The rumours circulating over the past two months about exorbitant child support and celebrity wife training classes are completely unfounded. I earnestly request that the media stop spreading this false information,” she said.
“I was not a public figure before, and I don’t plan to be one in the future. As an ordinary person, I simply wish to return to a calm and quiet life. Due to health issues and family reasons, I have decided to step away from the internet.
“Once again, I apologise to everyone and wish you all peace and well-being,” Ye added.
Huang has not yet responded to an interview request from the Post.
However, Ye’s statement has ignited disscussion on mainland social media.
“If the rumour about the huge child support were true, I would leave social media too. I wouldn’t have to worry for the rest of my life,” one online observer wrote.
“I don’t know why, but I feel sorry for Ye Ke. She has not done anything terribly wrong,” added another.
Many people also expressed disdain over gossip that frequently dominates social media, and said they were growing tired of the constant drama and rumours.
“This is long overdue. With Ye quitting the internet and Huang staying quiet, netizens can finally enjoy a peaceful and happy life,” said one person. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
