Taiwanese actor Wang Ta Lu, 29, has denied taking advantage of Chinese actress Li Qin, 30, after netizens criticised him for getting handsy with her during a skit on Chinese variety show Happy Camp.

The pair, who co-starred in 2020 period drama The Wolf, recently appeared on Happy Camp to promote the series.

During the show, they were asked to act out a scenario that called for Ta Lu to show how he would make a girl feel protected when they are queuing to buy bubble tea .

On hearing this, Ta Lu immediately hugged Li Qin from the back and caressed her hands. He then pulled open his jacket so he could wrap her in a tight embrace.

What he did was goosebump-inducing to say the least, and while Ta Lu looked totally at ease, awkwardness was written all over Li Qin’s face.

After the clip was posted on the show’s Weibo page at 9pm on Wednesday (Feb 17), it sparked a heated discussion among netizens.

While some called the interaction between the co-stars sweet , others slammed Ta Lu for taking advantage of Li Qin, with comments like “Let go of that pretty girl”, “Where did those groping hands touch her?” and “You can tell Li Qin is resisting with her entire body”.

Ta Lu took to Weibo the next day to clarify that he was merely acting out the scenario. He wrote: “At the request of the show, two actors performed the part of a 'couple in cold weather'. As partners and good friends, we just did what we’re asked to do. I hope you will not make speculations. I'm sorry for taking up everyone's attention.

Li Qin later shared Ta Lu’s post, writing: The acting is pretty good and the wolf boy is quite warm,” referring to his character in The Wolf.

Photos: Happy Camp/Weibo, Wang Ta Lu/Weibo