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| Xie Na Calls on Joker Xue to Apologise to Jason Zhang as Old Controversy Resurfaces. (Image via: Zaobao) |
A long-running dispute in Chinese entertainment has been pushed back into the spotlight after Xie Na publicly demanded that singer Joker Xue ZhiQian apologise to her husband, Jason Zhang, over comments made years ago that she says unfairly dragged him into controversy.
Speaking on 3 March, Xie Na argued the renewed debate surrounding Joker Xue’s past relationships had reignited scrutiny of an older television remark that many online interpreted as a jab at Jason Zhang.
She said the situation had once again led to criticism aimed at her husband, insisting the only fair resolution would be a clear and public apology.
The issue traces back to an appearance by Joker Xue on the talk show Roast!, where he joked that he had “not terminated contracts early, not stolen, not dated a wealthy partner to release an album, and not dated someone more famous to boost a career.”
At the time, a number of viewers believed the remarks hinted at Jason Zhang’s career history and his relationship with Xie Na, though no name was mentioned directly.
For Xie Na, the implication was enough. She said Zhang had been pulled into the discussion without justification and that Joker’s comments helped shape public opinion against him. Her request, she said, was simple: take responsibility for the remark and formally apologise.
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| Xie Na Demands Joker Xue Apologise to Jason Zhang as Years-Old TV Remark Resurfaces |
The dispute has gained fresh momentum after influencer Li Yutong, a former associate of Joker Xue, shared new claims online.
Among them was an allegation that Joker once privately described Jason Zhang’s singing style as outdated. The remark, widely circulated on Chinese social platforms, added another layer to the debate and reignited fan speculation.
But the situation became even more complicated when Duan Xi, Jason Zhang’s former girlfriend, stepped forward with a lengthy public statement of her own.
She said she had endured rumours for nearly two decades, including accusations that she had interfered in Jason Zhang’s later relationship with Xie Na. According to Duan, the narrative surrounding their breakup had been repeatedly distorted online.
Duan Xi claimed she had dated Zhang since 2004 and supported him during difficult years before his career gained traction.
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| Chinese Entertainment Row Rekindled as Xie Na Asks Joker Xue to Apologise |
When their relationship ended, she said she was left facing online accusations and criticism that affected both her work and personal life. She also questioned why she had never received any clarification during years of intense online scrutiny.
Her comments prompted renewed debate about the timeline of Zhang and Xie Na’s relationship. Some netizens pointed out that the two reportedly met in October 2006 through host He Jiong, while Zhang and Duan Xi were believed to have ended their relationship around 2007. The overlapping dates quickly became a trending topic across Chinese social media.
Singer Xiang Ding later voiced support for Duan Xi, claiming he had heard about Zhang pursuing Xie Na as early as 2006. His remarks added further fuel to an already heated online discussion.
Jason Zhang himself has previously addressed the timeline, stating that he was single when his relationship with Xie Na began. The couple eventually married and have since remained one of the more recognisable partnerships in Chinese entertainment.
Online reaction has been sharply divided. Supporters of Xie Na and Jason Zhang argue that Joker Xue’s remarks created unnecessary speculation that still follows Zhang today. Others believe the issue should remain in the past, saying the renewed debate only prolongs a long-settled dispute.
Meanwhile, some netizens have shifted focus toward Duan Xi’s statement, arguing that the wider discussion highlights how rumours from years ago can continue to affect people involved. A number of commenters said the controversy shows how quickly online narratives can form and how difficult they are to correct once they spread.
For now, Joker Xue has not issued any new public response to Xie Na’s request for an apology. Whether the singer will address the matter directly remains uncertain.
The debate shows no sign of fading. With multiple voices now revisiting events from nearly two decades ago, the conversation has moved far beyond one television remark. What do you think — should old controversies be revisited if questions remain unanswered, or is it better for everyone involved to leave the past where it is?