Obsessed Fan Drains Family Savings and Commits Theft to Support Streamer
A man in China has recently sparked controversy after he used his family’s life savings and even resorted to theft, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars to financially support a live streamer.
Extreme Fan Engagement: How Far Is Too Far?
It is common for fans to express appreciation for their favorite streamers through monetary gifts, subscriptions, and various forms of support. However, one man’s obsession took a dangerous turn. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, a person identified only by the surname Hong became infatuated with a streamer who affectionately referred to him as “brother.” This singular focus led him to drain his family’s savings to send her cash gifts.
In a striking confession, Hong admitted to surviving on plain steamed buns while directing all of his available funds to the unnamed online creator. Ultimately, when his family cut off access to their financial resources, he resorted to illegal means to continue his support.
Man Steals Over $300,000 for Streamer Support
Initially working in his family’s hardware business, Hong began stealing copper materials and selling them at waste recycling stations to fund his streaming obsession. Unfortunately for him, when a substantial quantity of copper went missing, a factory alerted the police, prompting Hong to surrender himself.
Upon investigation, the authorities presented evidence of his repeated financial transactions, leading Hong to confess to committing 40 thefts. In total, he admitted to stealing approximately $316,000, a significant portion of which he had funneled to the streamer.
“I didn’t want to meet her; I just wanted to hear her call me ‘brother,’” he stated, highlighting the extent of his emotional attachment.
In his quest for connection, he amassed a staggering total of 4 million yuan (around $550,000 USD) in gifts sent to the creator, leaving many in the online community stunned. One user quipped, “If you just want to hear [her call you brother], why not record it and play it on repeat?” while another suggested he may need to consult a mental health professional.
Trends in Online Support for Streamers
This incident isn’t isolated; it reflects a growing trend where fans go to extreme lengths to support content creators. In a similar vein, renowned Twitch streamer Amouranth received $70,000 in cash and luxury gifts from an anonymous admirer in 2022.
The blending of admiration and financial commitment poses questions about boundaries and the mental well-being of individuals in the pursuit of online affection and recognition.
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