A popular Taiwanese entertainer has become the target of online attacks by Chinese internet users after posting in support of Taiwan’s Olympic athletes. Television host Dee Hsu, better known as “Little S”, received abuse after referring to Taiwanese Olympians as “national team members” in a post on Instagram.
Amid the furor, at least four Chinese companies have severed their ties with Hsu, including the shampoo brand Clear and clothing company Jorya.
Comments on Hsu’s profile say her reference to Taiwanese Olympians as members of a national team shows her support for Taiwanese independence.
China considers Taiwan to be part of its sovereign territory, but Taiwan has been ruled separately for over 50 years.
Several Taiwanese politicians have spoken out in support of Hsu. Opposition lawmaker Lin Wei-chou says he does not see the issue in referring to Taiwanese athletes as part of a national team.
Ruling party lawmaker Kuan Bi-ling says the attacks are making an example of Hsu to silence others. She says the strategy will not work in Taiwan.