The Tragic Story of Fat Cat: A Reflection on Cyberbullying and Online Narratives

  • May 20, 2025 7:35 PM PDT

    On April 11, 2024, a young Chinese gamer known as Fat Cat tragically took his own life by jumping from a bridge in Chongqing. His real name was Liu Jie, and he was only 20 years old at the time of his death. The incident quickly became a viral topic on Chinese social media, sparking heated debates about relationships, financial dependence, and cyberbullying.To get more news about fat cat china, you can visit shine news official website.

    Background and Relationship
    Fat Cat was a professional game booster, spending long hours playing video games for others in exchange for money. In 2021, he met his girlfriend, Tan, through the popular mobile game Honor of Kings. Over time, their relationship deepened, and Fat Cat financially supported Tan, even contributing 70,000 yuan to help her open a shop.

    In early 2024, Fat Cat moved from Hunan to Chongqing to be closer to Tan. However, their relationship soon deteriorated, leading to a breakup. Before his death, Fat Cat transferred a significant sum of money to Tan and sent her a final message before jumping from the bridge.

    The Aftermath and Online Backlash
    Following Fat Cat’s death, Tan became the target of intense online harassment. Many accused her of exploiting Fat Cat financially, leading to widespread cyberbullying. Some netizens even compared the incident to previous cases of emotional manipulation and financial abuse.

    However, police investigations later revealed that Fat Cat and Tan had a genuine relationship with mutual financial exchanges. There was no evidence of fraud or exploitation. Despite this, the online narrative continued to paint Tan as the villain, fueling further harassment.

    Public Reaction and Social Media Storm
    The incident triggered a nationwide debate on romantic relationships, financial dependence, and online harassment. Thousands of people sent food and drinks to the bridge where Fat Cat had jumped, turning the location into an impromptu memorial site. Meanwhile, others continued to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories about Tan’s involvement.

    In May 2024, Chinese authorities released their findings, confirming that Tan had not committed fraud. They also revealed that Fat Cat’s sister had orchestrated much of the online smear campaign against Tan, sharing private information and encouraging harassment.

    Lessons from the Fat Cat Incident
    The tragic story of Fat Cat highlights the dangers of cyberbullying, misinformation, and online harassment. It serves as a reminder that social media narratives can often be misleading, and public opinion can be easily swayed by emotional storytelling.

    As digital interactions continue to shape modern relationships, it is crucial to approach online controversies with critical thinking and empathy. The Fat Cat incident underscores the importance of responsible social media use and the need for stronger protections against cyber harassment.