Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwanese entertainer Chen Jianzhou, widely known as “Blackie,” is recovering after undergoing heart surgery for a myocardial infarction, while his wife, singer Fan Weiqi (Fan Fan), is facing a wave of online backlash over an alleged remark about the late actress Barbie Hsu, popularly known as Da S.
The couple’s management company issued a formal statement on April 17, through legal counsel, denying that Fan Fan ever made the comment attributed to her by some media outlets. The statement described the claim as “false and defamatory” and warned of legal action against those spreading the rumor.
The health emergency
Blackie, 47, was rushed to a hospital in Taipei earlier this week after experiencing severe chest pains. Doctors diagnosed him with a myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack—and performed surgery to restore blood flow to the heart. Sources close to the family say the procedure was successful, and Blackie is now under observation in the intensive care unit.
Fan Fan has been spending long hours at the hospital while also caring for the couple’s two young sons. The situation has taken a toll on her physical and emotional well-being, according to her management team.
The controversial quote
The controversy erupted after some Chinese-language media outlets reported that Fan Fan, during a recent interview, had said: “It’s lucky that Blackie didn’t go to Japan, otherwise he would have ended up like Da S.” The remark was widely interpreted as insensitive, given that Da S died suddenly in Japan in February 2025 after contracting pneumonia during a family trip.
Da S, 48, was a beloved actress and TV host best known for her role in the hit drama series Meteor Garden. Her unexpected death shocked the entertainment world and sparked intense media scrutiny.
Legal action and denial
In its statement, the management company emphasized that Fan Fan never made the alleged comment. The text read: “The so-called quote is a completely fabricated rumor. It has caused severe distress to Fan Fan and her family during an already difficult time. We have instructed our legal team to issue this clarification and will pursue all legal remedies against those who continue to spread this falsehood.”
The company also noted that Fan Fan is currently focused on her husband’s recovery and on shielding their children from public attention. “She is exhausted but remains strong. Unfounded rumors only add unnecessary pressure to an already stressful situation,” the statement added.
Broader implications
The incident highlights the darker side of celebrity culture in East Asia, where public figures are often subjected to intense gossip and misinformation, particularly during moments of personal crisis. The speed at which the false quote spread across social media platforms underscores the difficulty of controlling narratives in the digital age.
For Blackie and Fan Fan, the immediate priority remains recovery and family stability. Friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry have rallied around the couple, offering support and urging the public to respect their privacy.
As Blackie’s condition gradually stabilizes, doctors have recommended a period of rest and lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet and stress management. The couple has not announced a timeline for his return to public life.
Related reading: For more on cardiovascular health risks among middle-aged adults, see the American Heart Association’s guidelines on recognizing heart attack symptoms.
