Chinese Social Media Erupts Over Legal and Ethical Debates on Defamation and Tragic 'Pangmao' Case

According to Law Daily, falsely declaring someone dead, especially an ex-partner, falls under defamation and can result in severe legal consequences. Under Chinese criminal law, publicly insulting or fabricating facts to defame someone can lead to up to three years of imprisonment, detention, probation, or deprivation of political rights.

This discussion, coincidentally arising around May 20th, a day often associated with expressions of love in China due to its phonetic resemblance to "I love you" in Mandarin, has struck a chord with many users. One netizen remarked, "那天丈夫故意殴打老婆的才判了10个月，这过把嘴瘾的说两句反而会三年，说两句能真亖一样，真的好离谱" (A husband beating his wife gets 10 months, but saying a couple of words could get you three years.

It's really ridiculous). This illustrates the public's confusion and frustration over perceived inconsistencies in the legal system. Amidst this discussion, another hashtag has emerged involving a detailed police investigation into the "Pangmao" incident, tagged as #警方通报胖猫事件# (Police report on Pangmao incident).

The case involves a young man, referred to as "Pangmao," who tragically committed suicide by jumping into a river. His relationship with a woman named Tan Mou has been scrutinized, with allegations suggesting Tan used the relationship to exploit Pangmao financially. However, the police report clarified that the relationship was genuine and that Tan did not deceive Pangmao for financial gain.

The report detailed the financial exchanges between the two, indicating mutual financial involvement without fraudulent intent. The tragic nature of the Pangmao case has sparked a variety of reactions. Some netizens have criticized Pangmao’s sister, accusing her of manipulating public sentiment. One user remarked, "胖猫姐姐玩转互联网，弟弟活着的时候没有关心，胖猫精神状态和工作压力以及那种偏执已经说明他精神有问题不是一天两天了，家里居然不知道" (Pangmao's sister is manipulating the internet.

When her brother was alive, she didn't care; his mental state and work pressure already indicated he had issues for a long time, but the family didn't realize). This comment underscores the belief that the family, particularly the sister, is partly to blame for not recognizing and addressing Pangmao's mental health struggles.

Moreover, several comments reveal the gendered dimensions of public reactions, with accusations of misogyny and exploitation. One user stated, "#胖猫事件的凶手：以影响力进一步带动网bao的网红明星品牌男大V假纯爱真厌女的“纯爱战神”假哭丧实则吸胖猫血的胖猫家人胖猫事件真正的受害者：被冤枉的谭竹被污名化的重庆女孩因为觉得事情不对劲替女方发声却被骂捞女的人以及在这场厌女狂欢里被攻击的所有女性" (The real culprits in the Pangmao incident: influencers exploiting their fame, fake pure love advocates who are actually misogynistic, and Pangmao’s family who exploited his death.

The real victims: Tan Mou, Chongqing girls being stigmatized, and those who defended her but got labeled as 'gold diggers’). These complex dynamics highlight the intersection of personal tragedy, public opinion, and gender biases in the digital age. As the conversation evolves, users also reflect on the broader implications of such cases. For example, "胖猫姐姐严重影响谭某生活#做一个勇敢的姐姐！站在法律的对立面，挑战法律权威，玩弄大众情感，勇敢的坐在被告席！没事，进去也会有纯爱战士给你点外卖" (Pangmao's sister severely impacts Tan Mou’s life.

Be a brave sister! Stand against the law, challenge its authority, play with public emotions, and bravely sit in the defendant's seat. Don’t worry, even in jail, pure love warriors will deliver you food). Such comments not only critique the individuals involved but also reflect a broader skepticism towards the handling of publicized personal disputes. In conclusion, the interplay of personal relationships, mental health, gender issues, and legal ramifications continues to fuel heated discussions online. The diverse reactions to these stories underscore a societal struggle to balance empathy, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. The ongoing debates serve as a reminder of the profound impact of social media on public perception and the importance of nuanced, empathetic discourse in addressing sensitive issues.