Taiwanese TV host Blackie Chen and wife Christine Fan accused of spreading flu to Barbie Hsu

By Phong Ngo February 6, 2025 | 06:53 pm PT

Taiwanese TV host Blackie Chen and his wife, singer Christine Fan, face accusations of spreading the flu to Barbie Hsu after attending the same event while recovering from the illness.

Taiwanese TV host Blackie Chen. Photo courtesy of Chen's Instagram

According to TVBS, Fan revealed on Jan. 22 that her family had been hospitalized with the flu. On Jan. 25, she and Chen attended a wedding banquet where Hsu and her husband DJ Koo were also present. Hsu developed flu symptoms on Jan. 29 while in Japan and later died.

Many fans linked Hsu’s illness to the couple after learning the timeline of events. They flooded Chen and Fan’s social media, criticizing them for attending the event while ill, as reported by Tien Phong.

The couple has not responded to the accusations.

On Wednesday, Chen attended a sports event in Taiwan. When asked about Hsu’s passing, he said, "She valued her privacy. If you miss her, keep her in your heart."

Taiwan’s former Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang dismissed speculation over how Hsu contracted the flu, calling it baseless and unhelpful, according to TVBS.

He urged people to focus on health awareness and seek medical attention if oxygen saturation drops below 92%, especially with symptoms like wheezing or fever.

Blackie Chen and wife, singer Christine Fan attending the same event with actress Barbie Hsu (third from right) on Jan. 25

Blackie Chen and wife, singer Christine Fan (at the front) attending the same event with actress Barbie Hsu (third from right) on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy of Chen's Instagram

Hsu’s family confirmed her death at the age of 49 in a statement released by her sister Dee Hsu on Monday.

According to the Taipei Times, Hsu’s family confirmed Wednesday night that her ashes had arrived in Taiwan on a private jet and that no funeral would be held, honoring her lifelong wish for privacy.

Hsu gained fame from her roles in TV series such as "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire." Her personal life, especially her marriages, has always been a focal point of public and media interest.

She was married toWang, 43, from 2011 until their divorce in 2021, and they have two children together.

Following the divorce, Hsu reunited with her ex-boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and married him in Feb. 2022. The couple resumed their life together until her untimely death.

Wang later married Mandy in May 2024.