Rumors that the late Barbie Hsu’s two children were abused by their stepmother Mandy have sparked intense debate online. After the actress’s death, her daughter Wang Hsi-yue, 12, and son Wang Hsi-lin, 10, were left in the care of their father, businessman Wang Xiaofei, and his new wife.
Speculation increased after netizens noticed that the children continued to live and study in Taiwan under the care of a nanny, instead of moving to Beijing with Wang Xiaofei and Mandy. Some wondered if the children had been excluded from their father’s new family after the birth of Mandy’s son.
Unverified reports also claim that the children were barred from attending their father’s wedding and visiting their mother’s grave or memorial events. These allegations have not been independently confirmed.
Mandy addressed the allegations during a livestream and strongly denied that she had neglected or rejected her stepchildren. “People say I’m a stepmother, and yes, I am. But what right do I have to decide the children’s future?” he said.
He explained that the children stayed in Taiwan because they were already accustomed to its education system and daily environment. “We decided not to disrupt their studies or their emotional well-being,” Mandy said. “We travel between the two cities every week to be with them. Every decision puts the children’s interests first.”
Barbie Hsu, known for Meteor Garden and Summer’s Desire, died in Japan on February 2, 2025. Her ashes were later buried in Chin Pao San Cemetery in Taiwan. Her reported wealth of around NT$650 million was split between her husband DJ Koo and her two children. Since the children are still minors, Wang Xiaofei reportedly temporarily manages their shares.
Sources: K14
