Barbie Hsu’s ex-husband Wang Xiaofei severs ties with mother amid controversy over the actress’ death

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (L) and her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Photo from Hsu Studio's Weibo

According to Dimsum Daily, Wang announced his decision on social media: "I may be unfilial, but I absolutely cannot support someone like her!"

He expressed frustration over being embroiled in undesirable situations by his mother.

"She has earned enough money to live several lifetimes; if it's not enough, then she can find another way!" he remarked.

Wang also revealed plans to initiate legal action against Douyin for banning his account and contest a Taiwanese court ruling on custody that prevents his children from visiting China during school vacations.

His statement follows online rumors that he funded a private jet to transport Hsu’s ashes from Japan to Taiwan—a service reportedly costing 400,000 yuan (US$55,000)—after the actress passed away at age 49 while on a family holiday. The rumors, which included claims that Wang insisted that Hsu’s remains were transported with dignity and not as regular cargo, were reportedly liked by Zhang on social media.

These rumors were further fueled by Zhang’s godson’s repeated assertions that Wang covered the jet’s costs. However, Hsu’s sister Dee, a Taiwanese host, countered these claims through her manager on Feb. 6, confirming that the Hsu family handled all funeral arrangements, including the jet.

The Hsu family has openly criticized Wang, denouncing the rumors as "disgusting" and accusing him of dishonesty. Wang confronted his mother about these false claims during her livestream on the same day.

Public reactions to Wang Xiaofei’s announcement of cutting ties with his mother have been mixed. Some netizens have commented on the repetitive and strategic nature of their conflicts, describing his decision as a "strategic severing of ties" and a tactic to allow Zhang to "take the heat when convenient."

Currently, Wang is in Taipei, looking after his children with Hsu. His wife Mandy Ma is assisting with school matters.

Wang and Hsu got engaged in 2010, just 49 days after meeting, and married in 2011. Although Hsu often spoke highly of Wang, they separated in 2021 citing "irreconcilable differences." Speculation about their separation had been widespread since June 2021, though initially denied by Hsu’s mother.

Following their divorce, Hsu married South Korean musician DJ Koo in Feb. 2022, while Wang remarried in 2024 to Ma, a 26-year-old businesswoman. Despite new relationships, both continued to publicly dispute, with Hsu accusing Wang of infidelity and abuse, and Wang alleging Hsu made lavish purchases for DJ Koo using his credit card.

After the news of Hsu’s death on Feb. 3, Wang interrupted his vacation in Thailand to travel to Taiwan with Ma. He also commented on videos about Hsu on social media, referring to her as "wife."

Hsu was famous for her roles in hit TV series such as "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire."