The incident of a racist attack on Chinese professional boxer Zhou Runqi and his wife on a bus in New South Wales, Australia has sparked a heated debate on social media. In the October 14 incident, the 25-year-old boxer was hit in the head with a sharp object like a screwdriver.
While trying to protect his wife, Zhou fainted and lost consciousness for about 10 minutes on the way to the hospital. His wife was also dragged off the bus, resulting in severe physical injuries and a mental breakdown. Police arrested two people after the attack and Zhou expressed his desire to return to his country after treatment.
Online Backlash Follows Attack
As soon as the incident was published online, he was unexpectedly subjected to cyberbullying. Many questioned his nationality, while others blamed him for not being able to protect his wife. Zhou later said that he is still a Chinese citizen and moved to Australia with his wife due to professional complications. He explained that his wife had warned him not to follow the attackers because it would have jeopardized his career.
In an emotional video message after the incident, Zhou said that his wife had given up her job and life to stand by his side to pursue his dreams. But he felt ashamed that he had failed to keep her safe. So he wanted to divorce her back in China so that she could have a better life. However, his wife has not yet spoken publicly about this.
The Brutality of The Racist Attack
Zhou said that some locals first hurled racist abuse at them. Suddenly, the situation became heated and the attackers engaged in a physical attack. Zhou was hit on the head from behind with a sharp object, which was very dangerous.
His wife was dragged off the bus and suffered deep psychological trauma. The entire incident was witnessed by passengers on the bus in shock.
Reaction On Social Media
Many commented that the Australian bus was more dangerous than the bronze warriors of the Shaolin Temple.
Some expressed anger, saying that many people were blaming his wife without understanding the whole incident. Others thought that Zhou could not fight back when he was injured in front of three attackers – this is normal.
One wrote that pursuing armed racists was extremely risky, and his wife was right to stop him. Another thought that Zhou’s decision was influenced by patriarchal ego and that his wife deserved a better partner than him.
After the incident came to light, some spread misinformation, saying that Zhou did not protect his wife. Many questioned his fighting skills. Zhou later said that his wife told him not to pursue the attackers because he had a head injury and there was a risk of losing his life if he retaliated. He also said that his wife stopped him to save his career. These explanations did not stop the online debate.
Watch the post here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:
‘I Didn’t Like Her’: Man Admits Months-Long Plan to Kill Coworker With Sledgehammer
Elderly Man, 75, Seeks Divorce for AI Lover, Family Intervenes
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
