In a case that has sparked widespread debate across Chinese social media, a court in Shanghai has handed down a significant financial penalty to two teenagers for their deliberate act of vandalism. The Huangpu District People’s Court ordered the two 17-year-olds and their families to pay a staggering 2.2 million Yuan (approximately US$308,785) in damages to Haidilao, the renowned Chinese hot pot chain. The ruling follows a disturbing incident where a video of the teens urinating into a hot pot went viral, causing immense reputational and financial harm to the company.
The incident, which occurred on February 24 in a private room of a Shanghai Haidilao branch, involved the two teenagers, identified as Tan and Wu, taking turns to urinate into the communal hot pot while filming each other. The video was subsequently posted on social media by Wu on February 27, where it quickly spread, drawing widespread condemnation and outrage. Both individuals later admitted that they were fully aware their actions would be shared and understood the severe negative consequences that would follow, a factor that likely influenced the court’s severe judgment.
Haidilao, known for its exceptional customer service and meticulous hygiene standards, was quick to respond. The company filed a lawsuit on March 14, seeking not only a public apology but also a substantial compensation of over 23 million Yuan. The court, while not granting the full amount, found the teenagers and their parents responsible for a comprehensive list of damages. This included 130,000 Yuan for the direct costs of replacing dinnerware and extensive cleaning, a massive 2 million Yuan to cover reputational damage and business losses, and an additional 70,000 Yuan for legal fees. The court’s documents did not detail the enforcement mechanisms should the fine go unpaid, leaving the next steps to be determined.
The verdict also found the parents of both teenagers jointly liable, underscoring the legal principle of parental responsibility for the actions of minors. The court stated that the parents had failed in their custodial duties, which directly contributed to their children’s reprehensible behavior. As part of the ruling, all six defendants—the two teenagers and their four parents—are required to issue a public apology in designated newspapers.
Beyond the courtroom, the incident has served as a powerful “wake-up call,” as noted by the state-run media, highlighting the need for greater accountability for juvenile misconduct. The case has become a cautionary tale for parents and children alike about the real-world repercussions of actions committed in the digital age. For Haidilao, a company with a global presence, the incident was a major crisis. The company announced it would compensate over 4,000 customers who visited the affected branch, a testament to its commitment to customer welfare and brand image. The company also confirmed that all dinnerware was destroyed and the entire restaurant was thoroughly disinfected, a costly but necessary measure to restore public trust.
