Rumors that the late Barbie Hsu’s two children are being mistreated by their stepmother Mandy have sparked intense debate online. Following the actress’s death, her daughter Wang Hsi-yue, 12, and son Wang Hsi-lin, 10, were placed under the care of their father, businessman Wang Xiaofei, and his new wife.

Speculation grew after netizens noticed that the children continued living and studying in Taiwan under the care of a nanny, rather than moving to Beijing with Wang Xiaofei and Mandy. Some questioned whether the children were being excluded from their father’s new household following the birth of Mandy’s son.

Unverified reports also claimed that the children were prevented from attending their father’s wedding and from visiting their mother’s grave or memorial events. These allegations have not been independently confirmed.

Mandy addressed the accusations during a livestream and strongly denied neglecting or rejecting her stepchildren. “People say I am a stepmother, and yes, I am. But what right do I have to decide the children’s future?” she said.

She explained that the children remained in Taiwan because they were already accustomed to its education system and daily environment. “We decided not to disrupt their studies or emotional well-being,” Mandy stated. “We travel between the two cities every week to be with them. Every decision places the children’s interests first.”

Barbie Hsu, known for Meteor Garden and Summer’s Desire , died in Japan on February 2, 2025. Her ashes were later buried at Chin Pao San Cemetery in Taiwan. Her reported estate of approximately NT$650 million was divided among her husband DJ Koo and her two children. Because the children are still minors, Wang Xiaofei is reportedly managing their shares temporarily.

Sources: K14