Chinese trans influencer hits man over insults to her hometown at Haidilao restaurant

Chinese trans influencer Jiang Yan. Photo from Jiang's Douyin

According to the South China Morning Post, the video footage shows Jiang pinning the man to the ground, slapping him multiple times, and hitting him on the head with her high-heeled shoe.

According to Jiang, the man claimed to be a lawyer from Hong Kong and insulted her, describing people from Hunan as "poor and ugly" before throwing food and trash at her. She thus accused him of inciting regional discrimination and said she felt compelled to defend her hometown’s honor.

Jiang also alleged that the man struck her temple several times with his phone, prompting her to retaliate.

"I have become a woman, but if my hometown needs me, I will still stand up and fight for it without hesitation," Jiang, who has 44,000 followers on Douyin and a background in sports and martial arts, wrote in a social media post following the incident.

Local police intervened and later clarified that the man was not from Hong Kong but was a Hunan-based office worker whose name has not been disclosed. He apologized, attributing his behavior to being drunk and denying any intention of causing regional discord.

The incident sparked mixed reactions online. While some netizens praised Jiang, comparing her to Wu Song, a legendary hero from Chinese folklore known for slaying a tiger barehanded, others criticized her actions as inappropriate.

"She [Jiang Yan] just made Chinese art cool by beating this man with her bare hands," wrote one netizen, as quoted by Singaporean news outlet 8days.

"Responding to violence with violence can only bring more injustice and suffering," commented a critic, suggesting that Jiang should have collected evidence and contacted the police instead.

Jiang subsequently addressed the controversy on October 18, urging people to stop calling her "Wu Song" and shifting the focus away from the incident. Reflecting on her actions, she condemned violence in all forms and revealed that both she and the man had apologized to each other. They also plan to issue a public apology to the Haidilao restaurant chain and compensate for any damages caused, she said.