On April 14 1997, Taiwanese star Pai Bingbing’s daughter, Pai Hsiao Yen, was abducted on her way to school. After Bingbing went to the police, the case was leaked to the press, sparking a huge uproar and manhunt. Unfortunately, attempts to negotiate with the kidnappers eventually broke down, and the body of Hsiao Yen was found in a ditch less two weeks later on April 28.

Recently, Taiwanese media reported that Bingbing had filed a police report against an anonymous netizen, who had left comments on Bingbing’s socials wishing for the 64-year-old to “go down [and] suffer the fate of your daughter, to die in water”.

When the media reached out to Bingbing, the actress shared that authorities had found out that the netizen “has a history of mental illness .

“I wanted to do something on behalf of all public figures, violating the law is an offence,” she said, explaining why she chose to file a police report against the netizen.

Tearing up, Bingbing then went on to say: “The image [of my daughter’s dead body] is still etched in my memory. I still have the photograph of it. Even now, I refuse to enter any body of water, [because] I’ll be reminded of the pain that she went through in the moments before her death. Perhaps it’s better for me to never touch that photograph [ever again].”

Bingbing then held a press conference where she thanked the public for their support. She shared that the Pai Hsiao Yen Foundation has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years due to dwindling public interest. However, donations to the foundation increased sharply thanks to media spotlight on the police case.

“I’m immensely grateful, I don’t know what to say. All I can do is to thank everyone who’ve shown their concern and support,” she said.

According to reports, the nasty netizen has remained defiant and unrepentant. After she knew that Bingbing had filed a police report against her, the netizen posted a series of messages in anger.

“A simple Google search will unearth all your evil doings,” read one post. The netizen also rebuked Bingbing for “suing everyone”, and claimed that they will be “seeking compensation” from the singer as well.

After the police called the netizen down for interrogation on April 13, yet another post was uploaded online.

“I just finished giving my statement, and I’m currently at the police station waiting for my children. I’ve said all that I want to say. All I did was to express what I feel and think. As for the final result? Do whatever you want to do! This is the first time so many netizens have replied to my post. They all seem to be angry [at my actions]. I understand now, from this moment on, I’ll keep quiet,” the netizen wrote.

Photos: PBE Media, Pai Bingbing/Facebook