LayarHijau – Chinese actress Jin Chen has been swept into a wave of controversy over the past few days after an alleged traffic accident that occurred in March 2025 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, suddenly went viral on January 29, 2026.
Several sources suggest that the resurfacing of a case that had been “buried” for nearly a year is closely linked to failed monetary negotiations between a paparazzo and Jin Chen’s side. The issue did not emerge without prior signs. Since mid-January, a paparazzo had already dropped hints on social media that an “actress born in the 1990s, Year of the Horse” would soon be dragged into a traffic accident scandal that could “destroy her reputation.”
However, despite the hints drawing widespread attention, the core material was only fully released to the public on January 29. Based on screenshots of conversations that circulated widely online, the paparazzo was said to have long possessed detailed information about the case, but publication was delayed due to discussions over publication fees or so-called “public relations” costs. Those negotiations reportedly broke down, either because the requested amount was considered too high or because Jin Chen’s side was unwilling to meet the demands. After no agreement was reached, the previously withheld material was finally released, fueling strong suspicions that the leak was driven by economic motives.
Notably, the paparazzo who exposed the accident this time is not a new figure in Jin Chen’s history of controversies. Five years ago, the same paparazzo revealed alleged details of Jin Chen’s romantic relationship with a bald man. At the time, Jin Chen was filmed appearing intoxicated, getting into a car with the man, and even kissing inside the vehicle. The paparazzo also documented Jin Chen stepping out of the car, which sparked widespread speculation among netizens. Public scrutiny later found that Jin Chen had been photographed multiple times with the same man.
Jin Chen quickly denied the rumors through a late-night social media post, stressing that the man was merely a close friend of more than ten years and accusing the paparazzo of spreading false rumors. The dating scandal eventually subsided after her official denial. Now, the same paparazzo has once again brought up old material and openly “challenged” Jin Chen to issue another clarification. The difference this time is that what has been exposed is no longer a romance rumor, but an alleged legal violation with far more serious implications. This pattern has led some netizens to believe that the conflict between Jin Chen and the paparazzo is not a one-off incident, but a long-standing relationship marked by repeated power struggles and conflicting interests.
In the accident case revealed, Jin Chen was said to be driving a vehicle that struck a road warning sign and the wall of a residential property. Her assistant sustained minor injuries. According to circulating accounts, Jin Chen and her manager allegedly left the scene first, while the assistant, Xu Mouqing, reported the incident to the police claiming to be the driver. Local residents confirmed that an accident had occurred and said the damaged wall was repaired the following day.
Police later issued an official clarification on January 30, stating that the incident did not constitute a hit-and-run and did not fall under criminal jurisdiction. Jin Chen was said to have gone to the hospital due to facial injuries, while her assistant remained at the scene to file the report. Authorities also confirmed that there was no insurance fraud, as no insurance claim had ever been filed.
Before police released an official clarification, Jin Chen’s public image has taken a hit, with several brands reportedly withdrawing or postponing collaborations, including the removal of promotional posts and the cancellation of scheduled livestreams. Some of the dramas she stars in are also said to be at risk due to strict policies regarding artists embroiled in controversy. It remains unclear how the police clarification and Jin Chen’s apology statement will affect her reputation going forward.
By connecting the paparazzo’s track record from five years ago with the current pattern of disclosures, the public sees the viral spread of Jin Chen’s accident case as not merely a legal issue, but also a reflection of a long-standing conflict between celebrities and paparazzi—where sensitive information becomes a bargaining chip for money. When negotiations fail, long-held material is released, and this time, the impact goes far beyond mere dating gossip.
