Famous Chinese TV hostess Li Xiang announced in her blog
Wednesday night that she has been divorced from jewelry tycoon Li
Houlin for a while, the first confirmation from the couple
following rumors they had split.
Earlier this month, an anonymous man who claimed to be a staff
member in Li Houlin's company revealed to the media that the
couple's two-year marriage was in trouble. Later, photos and video
clips showing Li Xiang dining with another man appeared in the
domestic press.
The TV star said she had told the truth in her blog because she
could no longer stand people's quizzical looks and the rumors.
"It's true that our marriage is over. I did not say anything
earlier because I was afraid of appearing in tabloid headlines, and
I didn't want to affect our day-to-day life."
Li wrote: "We got married bravely, despite never-ending gossip
around us, which I don't regret. It's a pity when a marriage
finally ends, because both of us are faced with a heavy workload as
well as pressure from the media. I am grateful to Houlin who helped
me overcome the period when I felt like giving up my career. He
treated me kindly like an elder brother or even a father. He helped
me mature and I will never forget the days spent with him."
Li Xiang was recently caught by paparazzi intimately dining with
a man after hosting a conference at Hunan Satellite TV, raising
suspicions that she had a new lover. The TV hostess criticized the
media report as ridiculous. "We are longtime friends and work
mates. Anyway, I have to say sorry to several friends involved in
the issue. I hope the media will leave them alone."
Since the two Li's tied the knot January 2 last year, the media
were suspicious of the marriage and there were rumors that Li Xiang
suffered domestic violence, which was denied by the couple.
Li Houlin, who refused to disclose the exact date of the
divorce, also confirmed the split Wednesday. "We are still
friends," he said.
"I don't want to have anything to do with showbiz in the future.
I think it (divorce) is better for her, and gives her more time on
work."
Before the marriage, Li Houlin was reported to have had affairs
with actress Qin Hailu and singer Zhou Yanhong. He was previously
married and has a son in primary school.
Earlier reports said Li had also had an affair with an actress
during his short marriage with Li Xiang, which both parties
denied.
(CRI November 24, 2006)
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