A son, a wife, and missing millions: a famous artist is caught in a major scandal (4 photos)

World-renowned Chinese artist Fan Zeng has found himself at the center of a scandal: at 87, he became a father again, sparking a new conflict with his older children.





When the artist publicly announced the birth of his only biological son, he declared a complete severance of ties with his other children, further exacerbating a long-standing family conflict.

Mr. Fan's work has now generated over 4 billion yuan in sales, and more than 10 of his paintings have sold at auction for over 10 million yuan. A 1991 painting sold for 18.4 million yuan at auction in Beijing in 2011. Besides painting, Fan Zeng is considered one of China's most respected calligraphers—his calligraphy is valued at approximately 200,000 yuan per square inch.

On December 11, the artist announced that his wife, Xu Meng, who is 50 years his junior, had given birth to a son. He added that he had become the father of "his only descendant."

"I have also moved to a new house. My wife, son, and I are a very happy family," Fan wrote.



He added that due to his advanced age, he had entrusted Xu Meng with managing all internal and external family affairs, emphasizing that "no one else has the right to interfere." At the same time, the artist made a resounding announcement severing all ties with his daughter Fan Xiaohui, his stepson Fan Zhongda, and their families.

"Some people are using my children's names to spread rumors, incite conflict, and even harm my family. Therefore, I officially declare: I am severing all ties with them," the artist stated, revoking all powers of attorney, permissions, and forms of collaboration, prohibiting the use of his name in any activity.





Journalists report that the family conflict surrounding Fan Zeng has been ongoing for several years. In August of this year, his daughter Xiaohui announced on social media that she was unable to contact her father.

The artist's daughter accused Xu Meng of controlling him and secretly selling his works worth approximately 2 billion yuan. A few days later, Fan's company officially dismissed the accusations as baseless.

Media reports indicate that Fan Zeng's works have been regularly exhibited abroad for decades. His name remains one of the most influential in contemporary Chinese art, even with a high-profile family scandal looming over it.