Taiwanese actress Michelle Chen once captivated audiences with her pure and innocent image on screen. Her portrayal of Shen Jiayi in the youth film You Are the Apple of My Eye turned her into a symbol of first love for many Asian viewers and earned her the title of “national sweetheart.”
However, behind that gentle on-screen persona, Michelle Chen’s personal life has repeatedly been surrounded by rumors and controversies. Over the years, the actress—born in 1983—has been linked to numerous relationship scandals. She has frequently been accused of interfering in other celebrities’ relationships and, after getting married, was also rumored several times to have been unfaithful to her husband.
On February 18, Michelle Chen confirmed her divorce from actor Chen Xiao after nine years of marriage. The couple, who met while filming The Romance of the Condor Heroes (2014), did not disclose the reason for their split. However, China’s well-known paparazzo Zhuo Wei hinted that there was a “shocking reason” behind Chen Xiao’s decision to end the marriage, a comment that quickly fueled speculation online.
While neither Chen Xiao nor Michelle Chen has responded to those claims, the rumors have revived long-standing debates about the actress’s complicated romantic history.
Four Times Michelle Chen Was Accused of Being the “Third Party”
Rumored to Have Broken Up Vic Chou and Barbie Hsu
Shortly after entering the entertainment industry, Michelle Chen became entangled in rumors involving actor Vic Chou and actress Barbie Hsu.
In 2008, Chen reportedly worked with Vic Chou on a film project. At the time, Vic Chou and Barbie Hsu were widely known to be in a relationship. Media speculation suggested that Chen became close to the actor during filming, allegedly using intimate scenes as an opportunity to get closer to him.
Not long afterward, Vic Chou and Barbie Hsu ended their relationship. Although no direct evidence linked Chen to the breakup, many online commenters blamed her for allegedly “getting too close” to a taken co-star.
Suspected Involvement in Wen Zhang’s Marriage
Another controversy emerged in 2013 when Michelle Chen collaborated with actor Wen Zhang in the film Badges of Fury.
During filming, paparazzi captured several photos of the two actors spending time together on set and interacting in a friendly, sometimes intimate manner. At the time, Wen Zhang was already married to actress Ma Yili.
These images triggered speculation on Chinese social media, with some netizens accusing Chen of intentionally getting close to a married man. Michelle Chen later denied the allegations, saying that she and Wen Zhang were merely colleagues and good friends.
Alleged Role in Louis Koo and Joe Chen’s Relationship
In 2010, Hong Kong superstar Louis Koo was reportedly introduced to actress Joe Chen through singer Miriam Yeung. According to entertainment insiders, Louis Koo and Joe Chen quietly dated for a period of time.
However, rumors soon surfaced claiming that Michelle Chen later became close to Louis Koo, which allegedly contributed to the end of his relationship with Joe Chen.
Adding to the speculation, actress Sandra Ng once joked on a television show that she had introduced Michelle Chen to Louis Koo and that the two had gone out together several times. Michelle Chen responded with an awkward smile and said Sandra Ng was only joking.
Accused of “Stealing” Chen Xiao from Zhao Liying
Michelle Chen’s relationship with Chen Xiao also sparked intense public debate. The two met while filming The Romance of the Condor Heroes (2014), where Chen Xiao played Yang Guo and Michelle Chen portrayed Xiaolongnü.
At the time, rumors circulated that Chen Xiao had previously been romantically involved with actress Zhao Liying. When Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen confirmed their relationship in 2015—after paparazzi photographed them together at a hotel—some fans accused Chen of being the “third party” who broke up Chen Xiao and Zhao Liying.
The couple later married in 2016 in a highly publicized wedding and welcomed a son together.
Three Times Michelle Chen Was Suspected of Cheating on Chen Xiao
Rumors Involving Andy On
In 2018, Chinese entertainment circles buzzed with rumors that Michelle Chen had an affair with actor Andy On.
Andy On’s wife hinted that her husband had been involved with a young actress while filming in Beijing in 2016. Some online sources quickly speculated that the unnamed actress was Michelle Chen, who had previously worked with Andy On in a film.
Michelle Chen’s representatives denied the claim, but the rumor still caused widespread speculation about the state of her marriage to Chen Xiao.
Alleged Close Relationship with Peng Guanying
In early 2023, several Chinese entertainment bloggers alleged that Michelle Chen developed a particularly close relationship with actor Peng Guanying while filming a drama together in 2018.
Rumors claimed that the two frequently spent time together off set, and some social media posts even sparked speculation that they might have been secretly meeting. Observant netizens also noted that Chen Xiao was rarely seen wearing his wedding ring after these rumors surfaced.
Suspicious Interactions with Bryan Chang
More recently, Chinese media reported alleged evidence suggesting that Michelle Chen had maintained a close relationship with actor Bryan Chang since 2019.
Reports claimed the two had dined together publicly and frequently interacted on social media. In one case, Bryan Chang jokingly referred to Michelle Chen as his “wife” in a comment reply, which fueled speculation among fans.
Although none of these claims were ever officially confirmed, they added to the long list of rumors surrounding the actress’s personal life.
A Stark Contrast Between Image and Reality?
Former co-star Sandra Ng once commented on the variety show Kangsi Coming that Michelle Chen seemed like “two different people on and off camera.” According to Ng, Chen appeared modest and conservative on screen but was much more bold and lively in private settings.
Ng even recalled seeing the actress dancing and interacting closely with several male friends at a party, a revelation that sparked criticism from some netizens who accused Michelle Chen of maintaining a carefully constructed “pure girl” image in public.
Despite the controversies, Michelle Chen remains a well-known figure in Asian entertainment. Her career and personal life continue to attract public attention, demonstrating how quickly a celebrity’s public image can shift under the intense spotlight of the entertainment industry.
visit 91club to read more
