The past relationship between Fan Bingbing and Li Chen is once again under the spotlight, as old controversies surrounding the actor’s love life resurface, reigniting debate about his reputation in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Back in 2015, Fan Bingbing shocked the public by officially confirming her relationship with Li Chen—the first time she had ever gone public with a romance. At the time, she was at the peak of her career, widely regarded as one of the most powerful A-list actresses in China. In contrast, Li Chen was considered a relatively low-profile B-list actor, leading to widespread skepticism about their pairing.
Despite the criticism, Fan Bingbing openly supported her boyfriend’s career, even investing in projects to help elevate his status. With her backing, Li Chen quickly rose in visibility and became one of the most talked-about male stars in the industry. By 2017, he proposed in a high-profile moment that convinced many their “fairytale romance” would end in marriage.
However, the relationship came to an abrupt end in 2019, when the two announced their breakup, stating they would remain friends. What followed was a noticeable decline in Li Chen’s career and public image.
Adding to the controversy, reports later revealed that Li Chen comes from a powerful and wealthy background. According to Chinese media, his family is considered influential, with assets estimated at over 160 million USD. He is also said to be the sole heir to this fortune, owning multiple luxury properties and high-end cars across China.
Yet, wealth and status did little to shield him from criticism over his dating history. Li Chen has long been known for his relationships with several actresses, including Li Xiaolu and Zhang Xinyu. One recurring detail that drew public attention was his habit of gifting each girlfriend a heart-shaped stone, accompanied by promises of lifelong commitment.
This pattern was famously exposed by model Di Li Na Er, who publicly mocked him by sharing her own identical gift, questioning whether he was “handing them out in bulk.” The revelation sparked widespread ridicule, with many accusing him of using a “copy-paste romance script.”
Beyond this, Li Chen has faced repeated accusations of turning cold toward former partners after breakups. Reports claim that while dating Li Xiaolu, he once called her “the love of his life,” only to later refuse to mention her at all. Similarly, after defending Zhang Xinyu during their relationship, he later criticized her publicly following their split, especially after confirming his relationship with Fan Bingbing.
The controversy deepened when fans accused Li Chen of failing to support Fan Bingbing during her tax scandal. Despite his immense wealth, he was notably absent during her most difficult period, leading to backlash from her supporters, who labeled him as unreliable and opportunistic.
Following their breakup, a series of online posts further damaged his image. One blogger described him as someone who “reveals his true nature when those around him face trouble,” while another lengthy exposé accused him of being manipulative, insincere, and dependent on relationships to build his public persona.
Li Chen attempted to defend his reputation through legal action but ultimately lost the case—becoming one of the first celebrities in China to lose a defamation lawsuit aimed at protecting personal image. The outcome intensified public criticism and cemented his negative reputation among netizens.
Today, Li Chen is often cited as a cautionary example in C-ent, with many believing his career never fully recovered from the scandals. As one outlet put it, “His talent never truly shined, but his name became buried under controversy.”