NANJING, China – Police in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing have confirmed the detention of a man at the center of a sensational viral scandal that has captivated and disturbed millions on Chinese social media. The man, known online by the moniker “red uncle,” is alleged to have cross-dressed as a woman to facilitate secret recordings and sharing of sexual encounters with other men.
The story exploded across platforms like Sina Weibo, where the hashtag “red uncle” rapidly became the top trending topic. Online discussions surrounding the allegations garnered at least 200 million views, reflecting the widespread public fascination and concern.
Allegations Fueling the Online Firestorm
The online narrative painted a lurid picture of the “red uncle,” claiming he lured men, often described in social media posts as heterosexual, to his home for sexual encounters. These sessions were allegedly secretly recorded, and the resulting videos were subsequently shared online.
Specific claims circulating widely on social media suggested the man had enticed as many as 1,691 heterosexual men to his residence. These unsubstantiated figures fueled the viral spread, contributing to both fascination and outrage among online users.
Official Police Confirmation and Corrections
Amid the intense online speculation, Nanjing district police issued an official statement on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, confirming key aspects of the case. Authorities verified that the man, surnamed Jiao, had been taken into custody on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
The police statement indicated that Jiao was detained on suspicion of spreading obscene material. This charge aligns with Chinese laws that prohibit the dissemination of sexually explicit content.
Crucially, the police sought to correct several inaccuracies that had proliferated on social media. They clarified that Jiao is 38 years old, not 60 as had been widely reported in online posts. Furthermore, while confirming the video-sharing allegations, police denied the figure of over 1,000 male partners as claimed online, although they did not provide an alternative number.
Legal Ramifications Under Chinese Law
The alleged actions attributed to Jiao fall under several aspects of Chinese law. The dissemination of images depicting sexual acts is explicitly punishable by law. Additionally, recording and sharing sexual activities conducted in a private setting without explicit consent can violate privacy rights and may constitute a criminal offense.
The police’s confirmation of Jiao’s detention on suspicion of spreading obscene material underscores the seriousness with which authorities view the alleged distribution of the recorded content.
Public Reaction and Health Concerns
The viral story had significant repercussions beyond the initial police action. Social media users began circulating a montage featuring nearly 100 headshots of men allegedly involved in encounters with the suspect. The origin and accuracy of this montage remain unclear, but its circulation intensified the public’s engagement with the case.
The widespread nature of the alleged encounters and the sharing of personal images sparked significant concerns regarding public health, particularly the potential for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among the individuals allegedly involved.
In response to these growing health concerns, a Nanjing city health official issued a statement confirming that appropriate measures would be taken. The specifics of these measures were not immediately detailed, but the acknowledgement from health authorities highlights the potential public health dimension of the scandal.
An Ongoing Investigation
The detention of Jiao by Nanjing district police marks a significant development in the “red uncle” case, moving it from the realm of viral online speculation to an active criminal investigation. While police have confirmed the detention and the core allegation of spreading obscene material, many details remain unclear, including the actual number of individuals involved and the full scope of the alleged video distribution.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly sensational stories can spread and evolve on Chinese social media platforms, often mixing factual elements with unsubstantiated claims, while also highlighting the legal and public health complexities that can arise from such cases.
