A scandalous rumour claiming a former Xiaomi “director” had affairs with over 200 women has taken Chinese social media by storm, but recent clarifications have exposed the viral claims as false. The man at the centre of the controversy, surnamed Feng, was revealed by Xiaomi’s public relations head to have never been a director at all. Instead, he was employed briefly in the company’s kitchen as a vegetable cutter.
Wang Hua, Xiaomi’s general manager of public relations, made the clarification on 27 June in a post on Weibo, stating Feng was hired in September 2016 but fired just two months later for absenteeism. This statement dispelled widespread rumours that Feng had used his supposed “executive position” to lure women into signing “sugar daddy contracts.”
The initial allegations had accused Feng of orchestrating affairs with over 200 women, including international students. Viral posts claimed Feng paid these women up to 100,000 yuan (about S$17,800) monthly, with contracts allegedly involving clauses on sexual consent, BDSM, and companionship arrangements.
Leaked ‘Sugar Daddy Contracts’ and Explosive Online Backlash
Photos of supposed contracts and revealing selfies reportedly from Feng’s phone circulated online, fuelling the frenzy. One document titled a “marriage without fidelity” contract suggested Feng had an agreement with his wife allowing extramarital affairs if he disclosed them honestly. A woman claiming to be Feng’s wife said she decided to expose his actions after being unable to tolerate his behaviour.
The scandal triggered an uproar on Weibo, with many outraged by the alleged exploitation. However, Xiaomi’s official response quickly shifted the narrative, showing the man was never in a position of corporate power.
Allegations of Fraud Emerge Amid Unfolding Drama
Following Xiaomi’s rebuttal, further revelations suggested Feng may have been a scammer who manipulated the women emotionally and financially. Instead of paying the large sums promised in the contracts, Feng allegedly used the women’s own money and banked on their reluctance to go to the police.
In 2021, Feng was also reportedly involved in a private lending dispute where he was ordered to repay 165,000 yuan (around S$29,000) to one of his alleged victims. The unfolding Xiaomi scandal has highlighted the dangers of viral rumours and how quickly misinformation can spread online.