Chinese actress Janice Wu has become the center of heated public debate after fresh rumors emerged suggesting she may have reconciled with her ex-husband, actor Zhang Yujian. Although the pair divorced nearly four years ago, their increasingly frequent appearances together have reignited speculation—and this time, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.
Two years ago, Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian officially announced their divorce on Valentine’s Day. At the time, public sentiment was firmly on her side. Many fans sympathized with the actress, often referred to as a “youth drama goddess,” believing she had sacrificed a promising career to quietly marry, give birth, and raise a child away from the spotlight. In contrast, Zhang Yujian was criticized for allegedly maintaining a “single” image while his wife was pregnant and later caring for their daughter.
That hard-earned goodwill is now being tested.
Recently, paparazzi photos allegedly showed Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian shopping together at a supermarket in Wuhan. Soon after, more images surfaced claiming the two were traveling together in Northern Europe with their daughter. The photos spread rapidly online, immediately sparking rumors that the former couple may have rekindled their relationship.
Instead of blessing, many fans reacted with disappointment and anger. On social media and forums, netizens declared, “If Janice Wu really goes back to the man who once refused to acknowledge her, we won’t defend her ever again.”
Much of the backlash stems from Zhang Yujian’s past behavior. He was previously labeled a “toxic ex” by netizens after allegedly flirting with others on variety shows and projecting a bachelor persona while married. For many supporters, Janice Wu represented a woman who bravely walked away from a one-sided and emotionally harmful marriage. Seeing her repeatedly photographed with her ex-husband has left fans feeling that their long-standing support—especially in the name of women’s empowerment—has been rendered meaningless.
Some comments were particularly harsh: “We loved her because she had the courage to leave, not to watch her patch things up with someone undeserving.” Others went further, threatening to boycott her upcoming dramas if the reconciliation rumors turn out to be true.
While some argue that Janice Wu may be setting aside personal grievances for the sake of her child, this explanation has failed to calm public anger. Netizens have pointed out the pair’s unusually close interactions and the suspicious proximity between Zhang Yujian’s workplace and Janice Wu’s residence, further fueling speculation that they may already be living together again.
As of now, Janice Wu has remained silent amid the growing controversy. However, that silence is only intensifying scrutiny and pushing her toward what many describe as a new reputation crisis. Standing at the crossroads between personal choice and public expectation, Janice Wu faces one of the most difficult challenges of her career since returning to the entertainment industry.
If the rumors are confirmed, critics warn it could become the most damaging self-inflicted blow to the image of the actress born in 1992—one that even years of audience goodwill may not be able to repair.