In a recent video on social media, the martial arts star discussed the rumors with his youngest daughter. He explained that for years he avoided addressing the issue because his eldest daughters, Jada and Jane, value their privacy and don’t want media attention.
According to Jet Li, the two women occasionally wanted to defend him publicly, but he discouraged them from getting involved.
Nina Li Chi reportedly supported her older daughters
Jet Li said his current wife, former actress Nina Li Chi, has been unfairly portrayed as a harsh stepmother. She said she paid all educational expenses for her two eldest daughters, covering their education from primary school through university and studies abroad. He also reportedly purchased homes for them in both China and the United States.
The actor added that his wife prepared enough financial support to ensure that the two women could live safely without worrying about money. Nina Li Chi also allegedly told them, “You only need to be devoted to your biological mother. You don’t need to take care of or repay me and your father, Jet Li.”
Jet Li said the relationship between his four daughters is much closer than the public thinks, noting that the sisters meet every year.
Jet Li admits they missed much of their childhood
Jet Li married actress and former wushu athlete Huang Qiuyan in 1987. The couple had two daughters before divorcing. The actor said he left the marriage without taking shared property, allowing Huang Qiuyan to keep the house and savings. Their daughters then grew up in Beijing with the help of their grandmother, aunts and other relatives.
Jet Li acknowledged that his demanding filming schedule led to him being absent for much of their childhood. He admitted that this remains a source of regret and guilt. However, he insisted that he had never shied away from his financial responsibility or refused to support his children.
His first marriage and subsequent relationship
Huang Qiuyan, who was two years older than Jet Li, appeared with him in Kids From Shaolin and was also a member of the Beijing wushu team. During their marriage, Jet Li’s career rapidly expanded through martial arts productions. He later met Nina Li Chi through work and eventually ended his first marriage.
Reports have long suggested that Huang Qiuyan was deeply hurt by the split but chose not to publicly criticize her ex-husband. Jet Li later became internationally known through films such as Shaolin Temple, Once Upon a Time in China, and Fist of Legend.
In recent years, the actor has reduced his on-screen activities due to health problems related to hyperthyroidism. He now spends more time with his family and studies Buddhism.
Sources: Ngoisao
