During her performance at the Guoyuan Night Superstar concert in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, singer Christine Fan stirred widespread attention not just for her music, but for the black necklace she wore. Throughout the performance, Fan occasionally touched the necklace tenderly, and at one point sent a kiss toward the sky, which many interpreted as a public tribute to her late friend, Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu.
Rumors quickly spread suggesting the necklace was one of seven custom pieces created by DJ Koo Barbie Hsu’s ex-husband as memorial gifts for her closest friends and family, including Fan Hsiao-Hsuan, Aya, Pace Wu, and Christine Fan. Each necklace was said to contain a small amount of Barbie Hsu’s ashes and was adorned with seven black diamonds, representing the seven women who debuted together in 1997.
The topic “Christine Fan wears Barbie Hsu ash necklace” rocketed to the top of Weibo’s trending list, garnering over 55 million views and comments. Some netizens expressed admiration for the bond between the women, calling the tribute heartfelt and respectful.
However, many others saw it differently. Critics accused Fan of “using Barbie Hsu’s death to boost her own publicity,” calling the display disrespectful to traditional mourning customs.
“If you truly miss someone, you don’t need to show it off this just feels performative,” one user posted.
Supporters of Fan pushed back, arguing the necklace she wore bears no resemblance to the one previously worn by Dee Hsu at the Golden Bell Awards. Experts pointed out that Fan’s necklace appeared to be a classic design by Acne Studios, with a fixed heart-shaped pendant unrelated to any known memorial design.
On October 29, lawyers representing Christine Fan have issued an official statement refuting false reports by Chinese media platforms on Weibo and Douyin, which claimed the singer wore a “grey-white cremation necklace” during a recent concert. The statement said these reports triggered widespread attention, garnering over a hundred million views and causing severe damage to Fan’s reputation.
The statement reads: “Our client solemnly declares that the above reports are entirely untrue and constitute fake news. The necklace in question has no connection whatsoever to any deceased individual.”
The law firm also noted that it has begun collecting evidence and will pursue legal responsibility against those who fabricated, spread, reposted, or commented on the false rumors. The lawyers emphasized, “The deceased have passed, and the living must carry on,” calling for the public and media to respect both the deceased and those involved. They urged that all reports be based on verified facts rather than misinformation that harms innocent people.
Christine Fan and Barbie Hsu shared a close friendship spanning more than 25 years, and those who know Fan say her tribute was likely a sincere, personal gesture.
Sources: ET Today
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