On December 11, legendary Chinese calligrapher Fan Zeng, 87, shocked the public with a handwritten statement posted online, announcing the birth of his first child with wife Xu Meng, 50 years his junior.
“What a great blessing! From now on, the three of us, my wife, my son and I, will live together. We have moved to a new house and will stay next to each other for the rest of our lives,” Fan wrote.
Artist Fan Zeng claims to have a child with Xu Meng
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But the announcement didn’t stop at personal news. Fan openly denounced his daughter Fan Xiaohui and adopted son Fan Zhongda, accusing them of slander and interference. He announced that he would cut all ties with them, stating: “As of today, I have officially severed all relations with Fan Xiaohui, Fan Zhongda and their families. I will not maintain any contact or cooperation with them or any entity they run or are affiliated with.”
It has also revoked all legal and commercial permissions previously issued to them, warning that any unauthorized use of its name will be subject to legal action. Fan stressed that future exhibitions, sales or charitable activities involving his name will only be valid if organized through the Ten Wings Cultural Art Foundation or the Fan Zeng Ten Wings Cultural Art Company in Beijing.
This public fallout follows previous controversies. Fan Xiaohui had previously claimed that her father was missing and antiques had been taken from his home, raising suspicions about Xu Meng’s intentions. Reports also claimed that Xu Meng and one of Fan’s adopted sons had conspired to claim the unborn child as Fan’s son in an attempt to secure the inheritance.
Fan Zeng, born in 1938, is one of China’s most prominent calligraphers, painters and scholars. He holds titles such as honorary professor at Nankai University, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Art, and multicultural consultant for UNESCO. His works have reached astronomical figures, including Four Arts, which sold for 480 million yuan. Its total auction revenue reportedly exceeds 2.3 billion yuan in 11 years.
Before marrying Xu Meng, Fan Zeng had three previous marriages and one biological daughter. His third marriage was particularly controversial due to an affair with a friend’s wife. The couple eventually married and lived together until his passing in 2021, leaving behind two children from his previous relationship.
Xu Meng, born in 1988, was nicknamed the “No. 1 golden section beauty” in China. She is said to have worked as a model, singer, actress and television host. His glamorous public image stands in stark contrast to the scandal-plagued family drama now playing out in the media.
Despite the turmoil, Fan Zeng remains one of China’s most revered cultural figures, and his latest announcement proves that his life off the page is as dramatic as the masterpieces he creates on it.
Sources: Ngoisao
