Zhu Dan’s Chicken Soup Controversy Sparks Gender Bias Debate

Host’s Actions Reignite Discussions About Favoritism and Traditional Roles

A recent incident on the reality show Wonderland involving Chinese host Zhu Dan has ignited fresh controversy. The 43-year-old’s choices regarding chicken soup distribution have led to accusations of gender bias, prompting a re-evaluation of her past actions.

Chicken Soup Sparks Outrage

The host gave drumsticks to younger male guests, Zhou Yiran (25) and Winwin (28), stating they were “still growing.” Female guests, Ouyang Nana (21) and Ning Jing (53), received chicken wings instead. This decision immediately triggered criticism online.

“The two are very close, always sticking together. When the sister holds the brother, it really feels like a mother holding her son,”

—Zhu Dan, Reality Show Participant

This situation calls into question Zhu Dan‘s earlier comments about her approach to parenting, particularly when it comes to her children.

Past Actions Under Scrutiny

The host’s past actions have also faced criticism. In 2023, Zhu Dan and her husband, actor Zhou Yiwei, appeared on Viva La Romance, where she discussed enrolling her son in kindergarten early so he could be in the same class as his older sister. The alleged aim was for the sister to look after her brother. This idea has raised a lot of debate.

The remarks from Zhu Dan have led many to accuse her of reinforcing outmoded gender roles. They say she is sacrificing her daughter’s childhood for her son. Some feel she has treated her daughter like a part-time nanny. In 2023, a study found that in dual-income families, daughters spend more time on housework than sons (Pew Research Center).

Focus on Daughter

Zhu Dan stated that she’s now focusing more attention on her daughter to avoid any sibling rivalry, and that her son is obedient to his sister.