A storm of controversy is raging in Taiwan’s online community and pop literature circles this week, with the news that celebrity author Chen Yi-li (陳怡利) — better known for championing the merits of single life under her pen name, “Queen” (女王) — was recently married in Japan.
Normally, fans send blessings and messages of congratulations when their favorite author ties the knot.
That has not been the case for Chen.
Many readers and online commenters expressed disappointment at the news, saying Queen “sold out” her principles and abandoned her fans, leaving them feeling betrayed.
Others defended the writer, saying that people should get over what was described as jealousy and feel happy for her.
Chen married a man known only as Patrick in a lavish wedding in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa, in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, late last month, with family and friends in attendance.
According to news reports, Patrick is a handsome Taiwanese who works as chief financial officer for a renowned company and has a wealthy family background.
Chen, under her pen name, has written six books, which have been well-received and have legions of fans in Taiwan.
She writes with acerbic humor and pours out personal emotions on social observations, finding much support among young women.
Often containing advice meant to empower women, Queen’s books say that being single can lead to a happy life, so women have no need to get married.
Chen also once wrote that she vowed to stay true to herself and remain single for life.
However, her advice to women on marriage partners has been considered the most controversial.
The writer has told her readers to “never marry a well-to-do man or someone from a wealthy family,” because such men are unreliable and accustomed to being dependent on their mothers for everything, among other reasons.
With the news of her marriage to a wealthy man, legions of fans and netizens expressed outrage, condemning her and her choice of husband.
Many posted messages saying that the writer’s move ran counter to her principles, calling her a “sell-out” and saying that they felt cheated and betrayed.
“Sadly, I found out she is a hypocrite: ‘Do as I say, and not as I do.’ I will not believe her words anymore,” a commenter using the name “Cute Bunny” wrote.
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