Actor's wife sues for defamation over divorce comments

The Chaoyang District People's Court in Beijing has accepted a defamation case brought by Ma Rong, wife of well-known Chinese actor Wang Baoqiang, who made a statement in social media two days ago that he was divorcing because his wife had "improper extramarital sexual relations" with his agent.

In the defamation case filed on Tuesday, Ma demanded that Wang delete the statement he posted early Sunday morning because it is untrue and defamatory. She also wanted Wang to publish an apology prominently on his account and keep it there for at least 30 days.

Wang, 32, rose to fame in 2003 and is known for his roles in a host of comedy movies.

In his statement on Sunday, he said: "Now, due to Ma Rong's improper extramarital sexual relations with my agent Song Zhe, which has severely hurt the marriage and destroyed the family, I have solemnly decided to dissolve my marriage with Ma Rong and release Song Zhe from his position. Throughout the legal process, I will do my best to reduce the harm that this has brought upon our parents and children, allowing them to continue their lives without disturbance."

Wang sought divorce at the court on Monday.

According to media reports, Wang's wife is likely to get 50 million yuan ($7.5 million) in the divorce.

The actor demanded full custody of their son and daughter, and requested that Ma pay child support until both the children turn 18. He also demanded a division of the couple's belongings, including nine apartments, stocks and investments, a BMW and a Bentley car, jewelry, watches, handbags, clothes, financial products and insurance.

Wang gain the Golden Horse Award as best leading actor for Blind Shaft in 2003.

He won popularity for his role in a military-themed TV series Soldiers Sortie in 2008. He was nominated as Best Actor at the 5th Annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Mr. Tree in 2011.

Wang's rags-to-riches story, his public displays of affection toward his wife over the past few years and the dramatic divorce lawsuit have made headlines for several days and triggered a heated nationwide debate on a range of topics, including love, marriage, the moral and legal obligations of a couple and how fortunes should be split.

Actor Wang Baoqiang and his wife Ma Rong make a public appearance in Beijing in July last year. Dong Dalu/ For China Daily