Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
A man in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, has been arrested after reportedly stealing from a factory to fund extravagant gifts to a female livestreamer, spending over 4 million yuan ($550,000) to maintain his status as her top supporter.
The man, identified as Hong, became infatuated with a livestreamer and was determined to secure the title of “top fan” in her chatroom. He showered her with virtual gifts worth millions of yuan, but his addiction soon led to financial ruin. Despite his family imposing spending restrictions, Hong found illegal ways to continue funding his obsession.
Starting in May, Hong began stealing copper materials from a factory where he delivered goods. Over several months, he carried out more than 40 thefts, selling the stolen materials to recycling centers for over 2.3 million yuan ($315,000). Every yuan he made went directly into the livestream platform, as he sought nothing more than to hear the livestreamer affectionately call him “dear brother.”
During his interrogation, Hong revealed the extent of his sacrifice, admitting, “I would survive on plain buns just to keep sending her gifts. I didn’t expect to meet her; I just wanted to hear her call me ‘dear brother.’”
The case has drawn widespread attention online, sparking debates about the dangers of livestream culture and the impact of excessive fan behavior. Some netizens criticized Hong for his irrational actions, with one commenting, “He ruined his life and committed crimes for someone who probably doesn’t even know his real name.” Others pointed out the darker side of livestream platforms, noting how hosts manipulate fans emotionally to maximize their earnings.
However, some users expressed sympathy for Hong, arguing that his actions reflected deeper emotional and psychological struggles. One user wrote, “He clearly felt lonely and found comfort in the fake intimacy of livestreaming. This is a sad reality for many people today.”
