Martial arts superstar Jet Li’s later years have been far from peaceful, with many claiming that the hardships he now faces are a form of karmic retribution for his controversial past choices.
Not long ago, photos of Jet Li being hospitalized drew significant public attention. But instead of expressing concern for his health, many netizens resurfaced his turbulent romantic history and harshly criticized him, labeling his current struggles as “just deserts” for abandoning his first wife decades ago.
Abandoning His First Wife
At the beginning of Jet Li’s martial arts career, there was always one woman quietly by his side—Huang Qiuyan. During his years of poverty, Huang often brought him meals and cared for him devotedly. Their relationship grew, and in 1987 they married quietly, without even holding a proper wedding.
Huang supported him through the most difficult times, even when a serious injury nearly ended his career. She once promised him, “No matter what happens in the future, I will never leave you.”
But reality proved harsher than her vow. When Huang just gave birth to their second child, Li asked for a divorce, having fallen for beauty queen Nina Li Chi after working together on the Dragon Fight film.
Choosing Love Over Loyalty
Jet Li openly admitted that it was only after meeting Nina Li that he understood what “true love” meant. His infatuation was so intense that he once declared on national television he was willing to abandon his wife and children to be with her. His words shocked the public, and he was branded “heartless and ungrateful” for years.
To prove his devotion, Li starred in six films to help pay off Nina Li’s massive business debts, then agreed to her condition of waiting ten years before marrying. Eventually, they wed, and Nina bore him two daughters. At the peak of his career, Li pampered his new family, handing over his entire fortune—estimated at HK$2 billion (over US$250 million)—to Nina Li’s management.
While Nina enjoyed a life of luxury, Huang Qiuyan lived in hardship after the divorce, losing her home and struggling abroad before slowly rebuilding her life with the help of friends.
Karma Strikes Back
In 2012, Jet Li revealed he was suffering from hyperthyroidism, which has plagued him for over 15 years, leaving his health severely weakened. He has admitted to constant body aches, difficulty moving, and vision problems, all of which have slowed down his once-glorious career.
Meanwhile, his former wife Huang has since lived a stable life, raising successful children, which many see as poetic justice. Every time Li’s health resurfaces as a hot topic, online discussions about “karma” also reappear, with many netizens insisting he is paying the price for betraying his first wife.
Recently discharged from the hospital, Li assured fans his condition is stable but admitted to planning for the worst. He once revealed he had already told his wife his funeral wishes: no grand ceremony, just for his ashes to be scattered at sea or under a tree.
From a martial arts legend admired worldwide, Jet Li is now remembered as much for his scandalous love life as for his films. For many, his story is a living reminder of the saying: “You reap what you sow.”
Sources: kenh14
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