Actor Chen Xiao has addressed ongoing public scrutiny regarding his absence from the funeral of his late father-in-law, Chen Yanxi’s father, clarifying that no public funeral was held, which he stated eliminates the basis for criticism about his non-attendance. The clarification comes amid renewed attention on the former couple’s divorce, which was finalized over a year ago and follows legal actions initiated by Chen Yanxi against individuals accused of online harassment linked to Chen Xiao’s fan community.
The actor’s representatives emphasized that since no public memorial or funeral service was conducted for Chen Yanxi’s father after his passing in December 2024, there was no opportunity for Chen Xiao to attend such an event, countering allegations of deliberate absence or emotional detachment. They further stated that claims of marital coldness or neglect during the relationship are unfounded, reiterating that the divorce was amicable and stemmed from personality differences rather than conflict or avoidance of family responsibilities.
Chen Yanxi had announced the death of her father on social media in December 2024, prompting an outpouring of support and confirming her return to Taiwan to be with family. Shortly afterward, Chen Xiao was photographed at an airport in Hangzhou without his wedding ring, preparing to travel for function, which fueled online speculation about his lack of presence during the mourning period. Despite the absence of a public ceremony, some members of the public expressed disappointment that he did not make a private visit to offer condolences, given his former role as son-in-law and father to their child.
The controversy resurfaced in early 2025 when Chen Yanxi’s legal team pursued enforcement action against individuals accused of cyberbullying, an effort that brought renewed attention to past narratives surrounding the couple’s separation. Investigations revealed that the primary individual behind the harassment campaign was identified as a moderator within a fan group associated with Chen Xiao, prompting public debate about his potential awareness or response to the behavior. Chen Xiao’s team denied any tacit endorsement of such actions and affirmed their commitment to defending his reputation through legal channels.
While acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation, sources close to the separation have indicated that the core reason for the divorce was a growing mismatch in temperament—Chen Yanxi described as expressive and outgoing, while Chen Xiao characterized as more reserved and introspective. These traits, which may have complemented each other early in the relationship, reportedly led to communication challenges over time, ultimately influencing their decision to part ways after nearly a decade of marriage.
Both parties have maintained a focus on protecting their privacy and that of their son, avoiding detailed public discussion of personal matters. Legal representatives for Chen Yanxi have continued to pursue accountability in the cyber harassment case, emphasizing the importance of online conduct boundaries, especially when involving public figures and their families.
As of April 2025, no further legal developments have been publicly reported in the case, and neither Chen Xiao nor Chen Yanxi has issued new statements addressing the funeral attendance matter beyond their prior clarifications. The situation remains a point of reference in discussions about celebrity privacy, grief in the public eye, and the complexities of post-divorce narratives under media scrutiny.
For updates on legal proceedings or public statements related to this matter, readers are encouraged to refer to official court filings or verified statements from the individuals’ representatives.
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