Chinese Internet users have overwhelmingly rallied to the actor’s defense, with many even donating money to help cover his legal fees. Internet users struck out at Ma, posting a string of vitriolic comments to her Weibo page. Chinese media have referred to Wang as a “grassroots star,” and his down-home appeal might partly explain the overwhelming sympathy. According to Chinese media, one Beijing resident flew overnight to the northeastern city of Dalian to try to find Song. Many Internet users have helped donate money to abet Wang’s divorce — enough that swindlers have piggybacked on the scandal for financial gain.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 19, 2016 21:21 UTC