Actors Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen reportedly await divorce proceedings

(From L) Chinese actor Chen Xiao, his son Chen Muchen, and his wife, Taiwanese actress Michelle Chen. Photo from Michelle Chen's Instagram

Sina reported that a source close to the couple disclosed that Chen Xiao was the one who initiated the separation and moved out of their shared home last year. The actor has since blocked Michelle Chen on all messaging and video call platforms, the source said, necessitating communication through a mediator. Recently, while Chen Xiao was on a film set in Zhejiang province in eastern China, Michelle Chen attempted to visit him but was avoided by the actor.

The source also said there was a "horrific" reason behind Chen Xiao’s firm decision to end their marriage. While Michelle Chen initially wanted to salvage their relationship, she has recently taken off her wedding ring.

On Next Apple, it was reported that the couple is in the midst of divorce proceedings and is waiting for a suitable moment to make a public announcement. Michelle Chen is taking care of their son.

The news of the couple’s separation has been a hot topic on social media for more than two months. Ifeng reported that Chen Xiao’s manager has declined to comment on the issue, and Michelle Chen has not responded to requests for comments.

Michelle Chen, 41, is well-known for her role in the 2011 coming-of-age romance film "You Are The Apple of My Eye." She also competed in the second season of the hit Chinese TV show "Sisters Who Make Waves" in 2021.

Chen Xiao, 37, has built his popularity through his roles in TV series such as "Palace 3: The Lost Daughter," "Swordsman," and "Nothing Gold Can Stay."

The pair originally met in 2013 on the set of the TV series "The Romance of the Condor Heroes." Chen Xiao has revealed that he developed a secret crush on Michelle Chen during the series and pursued her afterwards.

He proposed in 2015 with a custom-made statue resembling her character from the show, which he presented on a yacht adorned with roses. The couple tied the knot in Beijing in 2016 and have an eight-year-old son, Chen Muchen, affectionately nicknamed "Little Star."

Since making their relationship public, they have faced criticism from fans who think Michelle Chen is not a suitable match for Chen Xiao, often referring to her as his "wrong choice."