The Chinese blogosphere is fuming with anger after actor Jiang Jinfu publicly admitted to have physically abused his girlfriend, Japanese model Haruka Nakaura, hours after she posted distressing photos of bruises covering her face and body.
The case brought back to fore the debate about domestic violence, which was only outlawed in the country in 2016, amid an entrenched culture of silence.
Youhua posted Monday upsetting photos of injuries inflicted by Jiang on Instagram.
"I have worried everyone who cared about me," she wrote in a bilingual post, adding defiantly, "I, Haruka Nakaura, am still alive."
Japanese model Haruka Nakaura took to Instagram to announce she was subjected to domestic violence, showing distressing visuals of abuse by Chinese actor Jiang Jinfu on November 19, 2018. /Instagram Screenshot
Few hours later, the 27-year-old actor took to China's Twitter-like Weibo platform to admit fault and ask for forgiveness in front of his 17 million followers, following a month of silence.
"I have spent this month confessing," he said in a post published early Tuesday.
"My impulsive behavior has hurt you and your family. I am so ashamed of myself. I will take my responsibility for that and accept punishment," he added, addressing his girlfriend.
The Chinese actor has been under the radar for the past month, despite his new drama "Royal Highness" airing on television, triggering speculation over what has gone wrong or whether he broke up with Haruka Nakaura.
But the answer to his disappearance came in Haruka Nakaura's post.
"Jiang Jinfu's recent disappearance is related to me. But I cannot disclose much considering lawyers and relevant personnel's requirement," she revealed.
China enacted its domestic violence law in March 2006. It allowed victims and those at risk to receive a personal protection order within up to 72 hours after starting the procedure. Some 1,830 orders have been issued by the end of 2017, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Jiang Jinfu's admission of domestic violence has attracted some 211,000 comments on Weibo so far. /Weibo Screenshot
However, traditional views that oppose airing one's dirty laundry have long put pressure on opening up about abuse in any form.
Netizens reacted angrily to Jiang's shocking revelation, denouncing his behavior.
"Domestic violence cannot be forgiven," said user @Xiaoyangpeiqi in a comment. "Oh My God, there are so many bruises."
"In my opinion, domestic violence cannot be changed," said @Zhou Hanru.
Jiang Jinfu (R) and his girlfriend Haruka Nakaura seen in Beijing International Airport on September 2018. /VCG Photo
Media outlets also weighed in on the controversy with stern editorials, condemning domestic abuse.
"Domestic violence is not excusable. Unfortunately, from the public opinion we can tell that it might have some tolerance for the domestic violence," commented Beijing News. "On Weibo, someone even appraised Jiang as the first male celebrity to have admitted abusive behavior. Some people even gave a thumbs up to Jiang's apology letter for being brave and outspoken. Whether from the point of view of traditional culture or modern civilization, we regard such behavior as a family or emotional problem plagued with disorder."
"We need to abandon such behavior and gain a new understanding about it," said China Police Daily.
"It might be a matter of law and social order, but it is also a matter of crime," it added.
"We strongly recommend all the women to have the courage to say 'No' in the face of domestic violence and turn to law."