The abbot of China’s Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan, Shi Yongxin, is suspected of embezzling and misappropriating large amounts of temple assets, while also violating Buddhist monastic precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children. The case is under joint investigation by several departments, causing an uproar. Even CCTV anchor Liu Fangfei has been implicated due to a past interview, forcing her to urgently distance herself.
Rumors about the arrest of Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin started spreading wildly among Chinese netizens from the 26th of last month. The official confirmation from Shaolin Temple did not come until the 27th, stating that Shi Yongxin is currently being investigated jointly by "multiple departments" for "suspected criminal activities, embezzlement and misappropriation of project funds and temple assets, long-term improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children, in serious violation of Buddhist precepts." The temple also announced the appointment of a new abbot, with Shi Yinle, former abbot of Baima Temple in Luoyang, Henan, taking over.
The controversy continues to spread, with well-known CCTV anchor Liu Fangfei also being dragged in because she interviewed the Shaolin Temple and took photos with Shi Yongxin in 2012. Recently, these photos resurfaced online, pushing her into the center of public scrutiny. In response, on July 30th, Liu Fangfei posted on Weibo to urgently clarify, stressing that she only had "a program, a single work interview" relationship with Shi Yongxin.
News source: Liberty Times