Chinese TV producer apologises for online comment hinting at violence against doctors

A Guangdong TV producer has issued a public apology on the internet after comments he made hinting at a desire for violent retaliation against medical staff generated a negative response online.

“I deeply regret the Weibo post and emotional outburst. I would like to express my sincere apologies to all medical staff and internet users,” Wang Mudi, a Guangdong Satellite TV producer and co-host of a financial news programme, said in a lengthy online apology.

Wang drew widespread criticism from the public over the weekend after he made comments on Sina Weibo, China’s most popular microblogging platform, which further fueled an ongoing debate over increasing violence against medical staff.

In the controversial posting, Wang complained about the medical treatment his girlfriend received in a hospital where she went for a skin allergy. Wang said a nurse had pierced the skin on his girlfriend’s hand four times before finally locating a vein, causing his girlfriend tremendous pain. Wang also complained about the nurse’s insolent attitude, after which he wrote, “I would also like to chop someone with a knife,” followed by an expletive. 

Wang’s remarks quickly attracted criticism online. While some internet users were sympathetic, many more were uneasy about his inflammatory remarks.

Some accused him of potentially inciting public violence against medical staff. “You are free to file a complaint, but not to encourage violence against doctors in a public space,” a blogger commented.

The Chinese Medical Doctor Association, an organisation affiliated to the Heath Ministry, published a statement on its website demanding a public apology from Wang and his resignation from Guangdong Satellite TV.