Chinese Influencer Faces Backlash for Live-Streaming Wife’s Childbirth and Diaper Ad

A Chinese influencer, known online as “Paul in USA,” is facing widespread condemnation after sharing a lengthy video documenting his wife’s 23-hour childbirth, including graphic details of medical complications and a paid advertisement during the ordeal. The incident has sparked a debate about privacy, exploitation, and the ethics of online content creation, particularly when it involves deeply personal medical experiences.

The Controversial Video

Paul in USA, who has over 12 million followers on platforms like Douyin, documented his wife’s entire labor and delivery. The footage reportedly included scenes of severe postpartum bleeding and a third-degree perineal tear – a serious injury that can potentially lead to fecal incontinence [1]. His wife reportedly lost over 3,000ml of blood and required an emergency operation and blood transfusion [1], [2].

Despite the severity of the situation and his wife’s obvious pain, the influencer continued filming throughout the entire 23-hour labor. The controversy was further amplified by the inclusion of a paid advertisement for diapers within the video. Viewers noted that the influencer read a promotional script while his wife was undergoing emergency treatment, leading to accusations of prioritizing profit over his wife’s well-being and privacy [1], [2].

Public Reaction and Consequences

The viral footage sparked widespread criticism online, with many accusing the creator of prioritizing traffic and monetization over his partner’s privacy and safety [2]. Following the controversy, the video was removed, and his accounts were banned on Chinese platforms including Weibo and Douyin for violating privacy and commercial ethics rules [2].

Influencer Background

Paul, born in 1990, is a Columbia University graduate and former Microsoft product manager based in Seattle [2]. He began posting videos in February 2019, documenting his life as a Microsoft product manager and quickly gained popularity on Douyin [1].

Wife’s Perspective

Amid the backlash, the influencer’s wife addressed the controversy, stating that the couple wanted to authentically document the childbirth process and help others understand its risks and unpredictability [2].