The passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of fans, particularly those who grew up watching the iconic series Meteor Garden. Known for her portrayal of the beloved character Shan Cai, Barbie died on February 3, 2025 after battling influenza-induced pneumonia.
Cristine Reyes Draws Flak for "Insensitive" Post About Barbie Hsu
Barbie's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, and in the midst of this collective mourning, actress Cristine Reyes recently shared a post on social media that quickly sparked controversy.
On February 5, Cristine uploaded a throwback photo of herself with the Meteor Garden star, accompanied by the caption, “Rest in peace, Shan Cai, our childhood favorite ????. Also, happy 36th birthday to me today 2•5•25.”
While Cristine likely intended to honor Barbie, the combination of a personal birthday message with a tribute to the late actress quickly drew backlash from some netizens. Many felt that mixing the two was in poor taste, arguing that it lacked the sensitivity that the moment called for.
Cristine Reyes Reacts to Negative Comments After Throwback Post with Barbie Hsu
After receiving a wave of criticism, Cristine deleted the post and took to Instagram Stories to address the backlash.
In a candid message, Cristine expressed her frustration:
"Maligayang kaarawan sakin. Yun na lang, oks na? Kailangan palaging perfect. Bawal magkamali nowadays. May kalupitan na kapalit sa mga bagay kapag nagkamali eh, di ba? Marahil ako nga ay nag-luluksa ngayong kaarawan ko. Good? Ang daming magagaling sa mundo."
Barbie Hsu, widely recognized for her role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, was a defining figure in early 2000s Asian television. Her portrayal of the lovable yet resilient character captured the hearts of millions, making her a beloved icon across Asia. Barbie’s untimely passing has left a void, with fans mourning her untimely passing.
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