Chinese netizens question Guangdong dishwasher dispute as couple apologise and clarify viral claims
The Chinese couple at the centre of a viral dispute over a dishwasher purchase have released a follow-up video clarifying what they described as widespread misunderstandings, denying claims of debt and financial misuse, and saying the conflict has since been resolved.
- The couple apologised for poor communication that led to public misinterpretation of the incident.
- They denied allegations of debt, misuse of family funds and excessive spending by the wife.
- The couple said their marriage and daily life have since returned to normal.
GUANGDONG, CHINA: Chinese netizens have raised doubts over the authenticity of a viral domestic dispute involving a Guangdong couple, prompting the pair to issue a public apology and clarification after admitting their initial account led to widespread misunderstanding online.
The controversy began when a woman posted a video claiming her husband had smashed furniture and household items after she bought a dishwasher priced at 1,519 yuan (about US$215). The footage quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing sympathy and condemnation.
However, as the story gained traction, online users began questioning whether the incident had been exaggerated or deliberately staged to attract attention. These suspicions ultimately led the couple to release a joint video on Douyin, addressing what they described as inaccurate claims.
In the clarification video, the couple apologised for failing to provide sufficient background information when the footage first surfaced. They said the lack of context contributed to confusion and speculation, and they accepted responsibility for the misunderstanding.
Viral video sparks outrage and sympathy
In the original video, the woman, a full-time mother of two, said she purchased the dishwasher online to ease the burden of housework. She explained that washing dishes by hand during winter was physically exhausting.
According to her account, her husband became angry after learning the appliance had been delivered and installed. She alleged that he demanded the dishwasher be returned and smashed a coffee table, bowls and a toy storage box in their rented home.
The video showed a messy living space and the woman in tears, describing her long-term role as the primary caregiver. Many viewers initially expressed sympathy, criticising the husband’s actions as excessive and emotionally abusive.
Doubts emerge as details change
As the incident continued to trend, netizens began scrutinising inconsistencies in the couple’s narrative.
Questions were raised about the family’s finances, particularly claims that the husband earned a monthly salary of over 10,000 yuan while the household carried significant debt.
Online discussions highlighted conflicting statements about the amount owed, with figures ranging from several tens of thousands of yuan to as much as 200,000 yuan ( approx. US$ 28,719). Some commenters argued that financial pressure may have contributed to the husband’s reaction.
Others turned their attention to the wife’s spending habits. Unverified claims circulated alleging frequent visits to expensive restaurants and regular beauty treatments. Screenshots of her manicured nails in the video were cited as evidence by sceptical viewers.
These discussions gradually shifted public opinion, with some netizens suggesting the dispute reflected deeper disagreements over household finances rather than a single purchase.
Suspicion of staged content grows
The turning point came when users noticed that the account posting the original video was newly created and had only published a small number of clips before going viral. Shortly afterwards, the woman began livestreaming and enabled product links.
The couple then released a reconciliation video, in which the husband apologised and promised to buy a dishwasher. While some viewers welcomed the apparent resolution, others found the scene overly performative.
Particular attention was paid to the wife continuing to film while the couple embraced, which critics described as unnatural. These elements fuelled speculation that the incident followed a typical “traffic-building” formula seen on Chinese social media.
Couple issues clarification and denial
In response, the couple jointly appeared in a clarification video to address the rumours.
They denied allegations that funds intended for their child’s medical treatment had been misused, stressing that no such money was involved.
The husband also rejected claims that the family was burdened with heavy debt, saying their financial situation had been exaggerated and misrepresented online.
Addressing rumours about lifestyle spending, he said his wife did not frequently dine at high-end restaurants and often used group-buy vouchers. He added that a manicure mentioned by netizens had been done free of charge.
Health, housing and personal expenses explained
The couple also responded to speculation about the woman’s health and personal purchases. They said she has a minor thyroid condition, with monthly medication costing slightly more than 30 yuan (about US$4).
They clarified that her mobile phone, which drew criticism online, was bought last year using money she earned herself after saving carefully. The purchase, they said, had been discussed in advance.
On their living situation, the couple said they had recently moved into an apartment close to their children’s school, describing it as practical rather than luxurious.
“As long as it’s comfortable to live in, that’s what matters,” they said.
Apology and resolution
The couple acknowledged that women often shoulder a greater share of housework and childcare, which they said can lead to resentment if not properly communicated.
They stressed that the dishwasher dispute stemmed from poor communication rather than deeper marital issues, adding that the matter had since been resolved.
“Our life has returned to normal,” they said, thanking the public for its concern. They added that if they continue sharing family content online, they would provide clearer explanations to avoid further misunderstanding.
