Barbie Hsu’s ex-husband Wang Xiaofei faces backlash for celebrating Valentine’s Day with 18-year-younger wife

Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei (R), the ex-husband of the deceased Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, and his wife Mandy Ma. Photo from Ma's Douyin

According to Dimsum Daily, 44-year-old Wang and Ma, 26, were seen at Beijing’s Hongluo Temple, known for its focus on fertility and relationships, on Feb. 11. Photographs from the visit depict Wang in a leather jacket and Ma in a beige trench coat, both wearing masks as they browse items at the temple’s gift shop, evidently trying to keep a low profile.

Their temple visit was soon followed by a Valentine’s Day celebration, where the couple was spotted holding hands and enjoying a romantic dinner at an upscale Beijing restaurant.

These actions have ignited debates across social media, highlighting a stark contrast to Wang’s initial reaction to Hsu’s death. After learning of her demise at age 49, Wang interrupted his vacation in Thailand with Ma to return immediately to Taiwan. He was also observed kneeling in the streets of Taipei during a rain-soaked walk home and expressed his grief on social media, commenting under a video of Hsu: "Wife, I miss you so much."

Critics have labeled Wang’s actions as insincere and noted his rapid shift in behavior.

"He’s his own movie production team," one social media user remarked.

"10 days ago, he was grieving; now he’s celebrating—what a quick change of character!" another added.

Hsu, renowned for her roles in popular TV series such as "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire," passed away while on vacation in Japan, with her family confirming her death on Feb. 3.

She and Wang engaged in 2010, merely 49 days after their first date, and married in 2011. Although Hsu frequently spoke positively of Wang, they announced their separation in 2021 due to irreconcilable differences.

According to The Straits Times, Hsu filed for divorce in a Taipei court in Nov. 2021 amid rumors of their breakup circulating since June 2021, though Hsu’s mother denied any divorce at that time.

Following their divorce, Hsu married South Korean musician DJ Koo, 56, in Feb. 2022, while Wang registered his marriage with Ma in May 2024.

Despite their new relationships, Hsu and Wang continued to be involved in public disputes, with Hsu accusing Wang of infidelity and physical abuse, and Wang alleging that Hsu used his credit card to buy luxury gifts for DJ Koo.