Malaysian actor Hero Tai and his Ukrainian wife, model Tatiana Lin, recently aired their marital woes during an appearance on a Taiwanese variety show.
The couple, who are currently based in Taiwan, revealed that clashing views on finances have been a huge source of tension in their relationship.
“I’m trying to save money, but she’s busy spending it,” Tai, 38, said as quoted by Singaporean news outlet 8days.
“I manage the finances myself – from groceries to baby formula, diapers and baby food. However, she’s unwilling to communicate about it.”
Tai, known for his roles in Kepong Gangster and The Perfect Girl, had previously grumbled about Lin spending NT$10,000 (RM1,439) a month on coffee alone.
Their latest budget battle? Air conditioning.
According to Tai, there was no reason for Lin to keep the air conditioner running all day, which has resulted in a steep NT$16,000 (RM2,303) electricity bill.
Defending her actions, Lin – who married Tai in 2023 and is currently expecting their second child – cited the punishing summer heat.
“What do you expect me to do? Not turn on the air conditioner? We have a child at home too!” she said.
Lin called Tai’s penny-pinching habits “ridiculous”, adding: “He calculates everything – this diaper is NT$5 (72 sen) and that one NT$6 (86 sen). Why waste time? Just grab whatever. I’ll buy whichever one I like.”
Tai then argued that the diapers Lin chose cost NT$15 (RM2.16) each, while his pick came in at just over NT$5. However, Lin said her choice was justified, as the diapers she wanted were much gentler on a baby’s sensitive skin.
Although he remained unconvinced, Tai said he eventually relented and paid the bill.
