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| #WangYifeiApologizes Trends as Actress Faces Criticism for Littering Incident in Beijing |
Chinese actress Wang Yifei, also known as Faye Wang, has publicly apologised after being spotted throwing away cigarette butts in public—twice—in Beijing.
The short video clip, which circulated on Chinese social media in early November 2025, showed Faye Wang smoking casually outdoors before dropping her cigarette butt onto the pavement.
In one scene, she appeared to stub it out with her foot, but didn’t pick it up afterwards.
According to reports, the first incident happened when she went out to dispose of rubbish shortly after arriving back in Beijing, while the second occurred the next evening after work.
Both moments were caught on camera and quickly spread across online platforms.
Violation of City Cleanliness Rules
Under Beijing’s Urban Environmental Sanitation Regulations, throwing cigarette butts on the ground is considered a public hygiene violation.
Offenders can be fined between 20 and 200 yuan, and more serious cases may result in heavier penalties.
Many netizens expressed disappointment, saying celebrities should set a good example in public behaviour—especially regarding environmental cleanliness.
Wang Yifei’s Public Apology
On 6 November, Wang Yifei posted a formal apology on her Weibo account, admitting her mistake:
“I sincerely apologise for my inappropriate behaviour in public. I’ll correct my actions, be more disciplined, and accept criticism and supervision from everyone.”
The post quickly went viral, with the hashtag #WangYifeiApologizes dominating Weibo’s trending list that day.
While some netizens accepted her apology and appreciated her honesty, others felt it wasn’t enough—reminding that public figures should embody social responsibility, not just on screen but in daily life.
The incident sparked broader discussion about environmental awareness and public discipline in urban life.
Many users commented that while it might seem minor, such small acts reflect society’s overall attitude towards civic responsibility.
Several environmental bloggers also used the trending topic to advocate for stricter enforcement of littering laws and greater education about eco-friendly habits.
As one comment put it: “It’s not just about a celebrity—it’s about how we all behave when no one’s watching.”