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A court in Shanghai's Jing'an District has ruled that a man must pay 175,000 yuan (approximately $27,000) in damages to the family of his girlfriend who committed suicide after he refused to comfort her.
The incident occurred on December 20, 2021, when a woman surnamed Xiong from Henan province jumped to her death from her rented apartment in Shanghai's Jing'an District. Following the tragedy, Xiong's parents and relatives sued her live-in boyfriend, surnamed Bian, seeking 1.7 million yuan in compensation.
According to the court documents, Xiong returned home intoxicated and emotionally distressed after a work event at a KTV where she felt pressured to drink. She sought comfort from Bian, who was tired and irritated by her late return. He reportedly told her to "go to sleep and stop complaining."
The situation escalated when Xiong accused Bian of not caring for her. She requested a hug, which Bian refused, leading to an argument. Bian then turned his back on Xiong and insisted on not embracing her.
In his statement to the police, Bian claimed he was half-asleep when he heard Xiong get up, followed by the sounds of curtains being drawn and a window opening. Approximately 30 seconds later, he heard a scream and a thud.
The court ruled that given the intimate nature of their relationship and the private setting, Bian had a duty of care towards Xiong, especially considering her intoxicated and emotionally unstable state. His failure to provide emotional support or monitor her actions was deemed negligent.
While the court acknowledged that Xiong was primarily responsible for her own actions, it determined that Bian's negligence contributed to the tragedy. Consequently, he was ordered to bear 10% of the liability, resulting in the 175,000 yuan compensation.
This case has sparked intense debate on Chinese social media platforms. Some netizens argue that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, potentially making individuals responsible for their partners' mental health. Others support the decision, emphasizing the importance of emotional support in relationships.
