Taiwanese Singer Yu Tian Once Slapped Late Comedian Chu Ke-Liang For Making A Joke About His Wife

Turns out Will Smith wasn’t the first male star to slap a comedian for making a joke at the expense of his wife.

Taiwanese singer-turned-politician Yu Tian, who is best known for his 1977 hit song ‘Under the Banyan Tree’ (we know you know it) and who has been married to Taiwanese singer-actress Lee Ya-Ping since 1978, actually did that over 30 years ago

Years ago, Yu Tian, now 75, was a guest on Taiwanese host Chu Ke-Liang’s hugely popular variety show The Chu Ke-liang Cabaret Show, which ran from 1985 to 1990.

For those unfamiliar with Taiwanese entertainment, Chu Ke-Liang was one of Taiwan’s most popular TV stars in the ‘80s and was known for his bowl haircut and coarse humour. He passed away in 2017 at age 70 from colorectal cancer.

Yu Tian planting a hard one on Chu Ke-Liang's cheek... while Lee Ya-Ping watches in surprise

During that episode, Chu Ke-Liang, who would often mercilessly roast his guests, said to Yu Tian. “When it comes to playing, it’s more fun to play around with Lee Ya-Ping”.

Yu Tian, who looked absolutely pissed, suddenly gave Chu Ke-Liang a tight slap across his face.

He then retorted, “Play around your head! How many times have you played around [with her]?” before slapping Chu Ke-Liang again.

Yes, two slaps. Take that, Oscars.

Chu Ke-Liang's post-slap reaction was so drama, to say the least.

Unsurprisingly, an old clip of this exchange between Yu Tian and Chu Ke-Liang has gone viral in the wake of Slapgate, with netizens calling Yu Tian “Taiwan’s Will Smith”.

There are also comments praising Taiwan for being at the “forefront of culture”.

Take 2?

However, it seems like this ‘altercation’ between Yu Tian and Chu Ke-Liang may actually be a running gag between the two stars. Another clip shows Yu Tian and Chu Ke-Liang dressed in different outfits and having the same exchange, slaps included.

It is very possible that it’s all a staged act. After all, this is showbusiness. Right, Will and Chris?

Photos: Sinchew Daily, Star.Setn.com