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Zoey Zhang

A prominent 74-year-old film producer in China recently celebrated his one-year-old daughter’s birthday, only to face online abuse.
His wife has since taken legal action against the cyberbullies, as their more than 30-year age gap sparked public debate.
Zhang Jizhong, a renowned Chinese martial arts film mogul, is known for producing Romance of the Three Kingdoms and The Water Margin, as well as adapting martial arts novels by Jin Yong.

His wife, Du Xinglin, 43, was previously Zhang’s agent and studied in France.
The couple married in 2017 and have a son and a daughter. They also co-parent a Eurasian boy, reportedly Du’s child from an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure before their marriage.
Last October, Du gave birth to a daughter, nicknamed Little Dragon Pearl.
Recently, Zhang shared a heartfelt video on social media to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday, which garnered more than 200,000 likes.

He said: “Dear daughter, you have grown up. I will use all my life experience to help you discover your strengths.”
Reflecting on her milestones, from calling her parents to crawling and standing, an emotional Zhang teared up.
“I am afraid I will not walk far with you, but I will give you all my love and support every day,” he said.
Du said that they also plan to record videos and write letters for Dragon Pearl on each of her birthdays.

While many netizens sent warm blessings, some negative comments flooded in.
One online observer wrote: “Zhang likely will not see his little daughter’s wedding.”
Another expressed pity for Dragon Pearl, saying: “She will have to care for an ageing father during her youth.”
A third person even referred to Zhang as “father-in-law”: “I am 30, and according to your family tradition, your daughter should be marrying me by now.”
On October 12, Du announced she was taking legal action to combat online abuse.
“As a mother, I will do everything in my power to protect my daughter,” she said.
Du explained that with real-name registration now mandatory for online activities, she has already collected evidence against some malicious comments.
While China’s penalties for cyberbullying are relatively mild, usually resulting in account bans, warnings and public apologies, Du urged social media platforms to increase regulation and called on netizens to be more kind and rational.

The couple shares travel and Chinese cultural insights on mainland social media and have more than 5.7 million followers.
Du once addressed criticism in a live stream, asserting that whether she and Zhang are in love is nobody’s business, adding: “This is my life.”
Zhang also said that they were mutually attracted, deeply loved each other and shared a passion for traditional Chinese culture.
Despite the age gap, their life together is filled with happiness and they prioritise their children’s education, said Du.
One online observer said: “This couple’s relationship is very comfortable. They respect each other and grow together.”
“People should not use words to harm such a loving family,” wrote another.


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China filmmaker, 74, mocked for celebrating daughter turning 1, chances of seeing her wed

The family life of famous Chinese film producer, Zhang Jizhong, 74, has sparked a heated online debate due to the 30-year age gap between him and his wife. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Zhang Jizhong, 74, recently celebrated the first birthday of his daughter. Photo: Weibo

Zhang Jizhong tries to feed his baby daughter. He says he will use all his experience to bring her up. Photo: Weibo

Zhang helps another of his offspring with festive decorations at their home. Photo: Douyin

Zhang with his wife, Du Xinglin, who is planning to sue cyberbullies who have targeted the family. Photo: Weibo

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Cyberbullies target famous movie mogul over 31-year age gap between him and his wife, who collects evidence ahead of legal action


Cyberbullies target famous movie mogul over 31-year age gap between him and his wife, who collects evidence ahead of legal action.


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China filmmaker, 74, mocked for celebrating daughter turning 1, chances of seeing her wed

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Cyberbullies target famous movie mogul over 31-year age gap between him and his wife, who collects evidence ahead of legal action

Cyberbullies target famous movie mogul over 31-year age gap between him and his wife, who collects evidence ahead of legal action