.jpg)
The video, released on May 9 by blogger @baobaomangtu, shows a rider on an electric bicycle colliding with a blind woman on a tactile pathway. In the footage, the rider fails to apologise and instead blames the woman, asking, “why did you not watch out for yourself?”
According to reports by Shangyou News, Beijing police issued a statement on May 16 confirming that two individuals involved in the video—a 26-year-old man surnamed Liu and a 24-year-old woman surnamed Jiang—had been detained. Authorities stated that the incident was deliberately staged to attract online traffic and generate financial gain.
The revelation triggered intense public backlash, with growing scrutiny directed at the creator of the video. A photographer speaking to the media asserted that the woman in the video is genuinely blind, noting that she lost her eyesight in 2023 due to complications arising from an immune system condition.
Influencer Wang Taifan expressed shock at the incident, warning of long-term consequences for public perception of visually impaired individuals. He stated that the impact would not end with the punishment of the blogger and could erode public trust and kindness toward the community.
Zhang Shuxun, a blind teacher at a special education institution, said efforts made over years to raise awareness about the visually impaired community have been undermined by the controversy. Another blind educator, Zheng Jianwei, highlighted that visually impaired individuals frequently face hazards from electric bicycles on tactile pavements and noted persistent public misconceptions about their ability to use mobile devices.
The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with many users expressing frustration and disbelief. One comment stated, “Using kindness as bait is worse than evil,” while another said the incident has made it difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication online, even leading to regret over initial sympathy.
The case has intensified concerns over staged online content, public trust, and the portrayal of vulnerable communities in viral media.
About The Author
Comment List