Viral Prank, Priceless Fallout: Two 17-Year-Olds Urinate in a Haidilao Hotpot, Triggering 4,000 Refunds and a US$308,000 Fine
A viral prank has rewritten a dinner in Shanghai. Two 17-year-olds filmed themselves urinating into a hotpot at a Haidilao restaurant. The clip sparked public outrage over food safety and respect for diners. In a court ruling, the teenagers were ordered to pay 2.2 million yuan (about US$308,000) in compensation. Haidilao refunded more than 4,000 diners who were affected by the incident.
In This Article:
The Night It Happened: A Private Room, A Reckless Dare
On February 24, in Shanghai, Tang and Wu, who were dining in a private room, climbed onto the dining table and urinated into the hotpot. Wu recorded the act on video, which was later posted online and went viral. The footage sparked outrage, particularly over food safety and the treatment of diners.
From Video to Court: Consequences That Reach Beyond Likes
After the video circulated, Haidilao had to refund more than 4,000 diners affected by the incident. A court ordered Tang and Wu to pay 2.2 million yuan in compensation. The case raises questions about online behavior, youth accountability, and food safety standards in public dining spaces.
Why This Matters: Food Safety, Social Media, and Youth Accountability
This case shows how quickly online content can become a real-world consequence. It highlights the responsibility of brands, venues, and diners to uphold safety in shared spaces, and it places a spotlight on how social media can magnify reckless acts into lasting reputational and financial costs.
A Cautionary Tale for a Digital Age
Set against the backdrop of a hyperconnected world, this incident becomes a cautionary tale about impulse, accountability, and the reach of online content. It reminds readers that actions in a private moment can have public, lasting consequences for individuals and communities alike.
