Chinese CEO faces backlash for saying 'poor people should not eat hotpot'

He further suggested that individuals earning 5,000 yuan ($690) per month should refrain from eating hotpot.

Du, whose brand operates 150 restaurants across China, made the remarks during a Feb. 25 industry seminar on the hotpot sector's future.

After his brand faced criticism for high prices, Du acknowledged the rising costs, admitting that Banu Maodu was becoming less accessible. He advised young people with low income to avoid dining there to save money and invest in themselves, as reported by Lianhe Zaobao.

The remarks were widely condemned as insensitive and condescending.

Two days later, Du released a video claiming his words had been taken out of context. However, his explanation failed to quell the outrage, with many arguing that his comments reinforced class divisions.

A hotpot meal. Photo from Pexels

Facing growing backlash and boycott calls, Du issued another apology video on March 3, admitting his phrasing was inappropriate. He explained that his tone stemmed from his habit of giving fatherly advice to his children, which he had unintentionally applied to a broader audience. Du pledged to adjust his communication style and encouraged young people to remain hardworking and frugal.

The phrase "5,000 yuan salary" is often associated with lower-income groups and carries derogatory connotations, according to Red Star News. In an article titled "Since when did hotpot become a luxury?", the Southern Wind Window news outlet described Du’s statement as spontaneous but significant enough to strike a nerve with the working class.

China’s 2024 Statistical Yearbook indicates that in more than half of the country’s provinces and cities, the average monthly income for private-sector employees in 2023 was below 5,000 yuan. In hotpot hubs like Chongqing and Sichuan, this figure hovers around 5,000 yuan, while fresh graduates often earn even less due to a competitive job market and rising living costs.

"Hotpot was born in bustling cities, from the crowded docks of Chongqing, where workers gathered around boiling red broth for warmth. It was not just a meal but a source of comfort during tough times," Oriental Today noted.

However, the once-humble dish has evolved, with premium hotpot brands incorporating high-end ingredients, luxurious service, and elevated prices. Banu Maodu is among them, charging 132 yuan per person—about 30 yuan more than well-known chains like Haidilao and Xiabu Xiabu.