Badminton superstar Lin Dan has admitted to having an affair with Chinese model and actress Zhao Yaqi while his wife Xie Xingfang was pregnant with his child.
Intimate photos and gifs of Lin and the woman were posted on Weibo on November 17, with one showing the duo hugging in a hotel room.
The photos were reportedly taken in October, and were posted by a popular Weibo user for celebrity gossip, named ‘Detective Zhao’. Lin’s wife, on the other hand, gave birth to a baby boy on November 5.
The photos quickly grabbed attention of netizens, and drew throngs of comments.
Lin then apologised on Weibo with a short message in Mandarin: “As a man, I do not make any excuses for myself, but my actions have hurt my family. I apologise to them here.”
Lin, five-time badminton world champion, 33 and Xie, 35, wed in 2012.
Guess loyalty is hard to find nowadays..
[UPDATE] 24 November 2016 – 2pm
Chinese model and actress Zhao Yaqi has come forward to the press to apologise for her affair with Lin Dan, and was seen crying throughout the entire session.
She said, “My behaviour has brought bad influence to society. My family members have also come under immense pressure due to my conduct.”
“I could not forgive myself over this. Previously, I never thought my actions would hurt others.”
“It was until when I saw all the criticisms and gossips online that I felt silence would cause further damage. I do not want those who are innocent in this incident to be hurt.”
“I did not seek any financial advantage from Lin Dan. Rumours about him buying me luxury cars, and house were not true.”
“No one would stir up this type of drama to get famous. I only have one manager, not a team, I’m certainly not able to orchestrate this whole thing at a large scale.”
Lin Dan’s wife Xie Xingfang has also taken to Weibo to speak publicly about her husband’s affair.
“Our family will support this man who takes responsibilities for his actions and is willing to correct his mistakes. I thank friends and fans for your concern. Our family will weather this storm together.”
