‘Feet in two boats’: angry ex in China detained for flying banner outside former lover’s workplace accusing her of infidelity

A widely shared online photo of the banner showed it accusing her of infidelity and “congratulated her” on her “seamless transition,” implying she had another boyfriend during their relationship and quickly moved on after their breakup.

A member of the public reported the appearance of the banner to police on the morning of December 18, and the authorities removed it and arrested Zheng and Yan.

Zheng and Yan were arrested for 10 and eight days respectively. Both men expressed regret for their actions.

The incident, reported in The Paper, has sparked heated a discussion about relationships online.

“The man’s actions show low intelligence by publicly announcing he was dumped, and low emotional intelligence, too. Anyone seeing the banner would think he’s petty. It’s good they broke up, otherwise they would have divorced,” wrote one person.

“A relationship is about making adjustments. Once it ends, it is none of your business who the other person dates,” said another.

A third person added: “It’s so hard for women. They don’t even have the freedom to refuse men gracefully. This kind of relentless pursuit signals a potential for domestic violence.”

It is not the first time in China that an ex has flown a banner to shame their former partner.

In May 2023, a woman surnamed Luo from Sichuan province in the southwest of the country turned up at her ex-husband’s wedding with a banner which read: “Former wife congratulates ex-husband on taking a concubine.”

The woman was angry that he had not paid her a 1 million yuan (US$141,200) settlement after their divorce.

Eventually, the ex-husband agreed to pay the compensation in three instalments and Luo publicly apologised for her behaviour.