Controversial Feminist Vlogger Disappears from Douyin

• “I haven’t watched Wang Huiling’s livestreams or videos, but I read her book Grassroots Women. Her views in the book aren’t extreme at all. It’s an excellent feminist work that encourages women to pursue independence and self-worth through their careers rather than relying on men.” 　

• “Wang Huiling’s unhappy upbringing may have led her to believe that all women share her experiences. She teaches women not only to hate men but also to resent their parents. Her bold, piercing opinions are ultimately absurd and extreme. She’s poisoning women and their families.” Source: Zhihu

Qu Chenxu, media critic: “Wang Huiling’s book Grassroots Women inspired millions with its sincere and uplifting messages about women’s independence. Her popularity stems from her compelling story and views, not from promoting gender opposition. However, in her pursuit of online attention, she chose to express radical opinions that cater to sensationalism. In doing so, she has betrayed the essence of her book and her former self.” Source: 163.com 　

Sai Zhu, columnist: “Wang Huiling encourages women to avoid marriage, yet she herself is married. Her actions contradict her words... Ultimately, men and women share the same human experience. Women who want to thrive must learn to cooperate with the opposite sex. No one can live as an isolated island.” Source: Sina Weibo　

“Women are born to be eaten: first by their parents, then by their husbands, and finally by their sons. Thus, every woman is eaten three times in her life,” Wang Huiling said in December 2024 during a Douyin livestream.　

For the past few years, Wang has found social media success for her outspoken views on women’s independence and advice for women from underprivileged backgrounds. But to her critics, she is creating social division with extreme feminist ideas, with some detractors resorting to cyberbulling.　

The controversy came to a head on January 3, when Wang’s accounts on several social media platforms, including Douyin, were suddenly deactivated. The platforms cited “violations of terms of service.”　

Born in 1982 in a village in Tonglin, Anhui Province, Wang is the oldest daughter in a family with younger brothers. Like many rural women, she was unable to attend high school. At 19, she moved to Shanghai and took on various odd jobs. A determined self-learner, she taught herself English and Japanese. In 2008, she married a British photographer, and together they opened a photography studio.　

In March 2020, Wang began posting videos on Douyin to share her personal journey, offering advice on marriage and work, and advocating for women’s independence. Her content resonated with millions, and she quickly amassed over four million followers. In 2021, she published Grassroots Women, a memoir and commentary on gender issues. The book became a bestseller, reprinted 26 times in three years.　

However, since 2024, Wang’s online remarks have become increasingly controversial. She has encouraged women to avoid marriage and childbearing and to sever ties with their families. In a video posted on December 6, 2024, she said, “When I deleted my mom’s contact and kicked her out of my life, I embraced a brand-new life and a real awakening... It’s very, very important to spiritually kill your parents.”　

Her supporters argue that she boldly exposes the harsh realities faced by disadvantaged women and that her unfiltered takes empower agency and independence. Critics accuse her of being biased, extreme and even “toxic,” while others believe her statements promote hatred toward men and parents, exacerbating existing gender tensions.