Who Is 'Red Uncle'? Cross-Dressing Chinese Man Who Allegedly Filmed 1,000 Sexual Encounters Sparks Public Alarm

A scandal involving a cross-dressing man in China has taken social media by storm, raising serious concerns about privacy, health, and morality. The story of a man known as 'Red Uncle' has gone viral, with claims of over 1,000 sexual encounters and the filming of videos shared online.

The case has sparked widespread debate and fears about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spreading through clandestine activities.

The Rise of 'Red Uncle' and the Viral Outcry

The story began in Nanjing, where a 38-year-old man, surnamed Jiao, was detained on suspicion of distributing obscene material. Social media posts claimed he had lured nearly 1,700 men—many described as physically fit or 'high-quality'—to his home, where he secretly recorded their encounters. The posts also alleged that some victims were foreign nationals. The hashtag 'Red Uncle' quickly became the top trending topic on Weibo, China's popular micro-blogging platform, amassing over 200 million views.

Police confirmed Jiao's detention but clarified that he was not 60 years old as some reports suggested. They denied that he had met more than 1,000 men but did not state an exact number. Authorities warned that sharing private sexual images is illegal in China, and disseminating such footage can lead to criminal charges. Meanwhile, the public's curiosity was matched by concern over the potential health risks, especially the spread of STDs.

The Disguise, Encounters, and Motivations

Jiao employed various disguises—including wigs, makeup, and voice-altering software—to present himself as 'Red Sister', a woman who reportedly engaged in sexual acts with men in exchange for everyday items like fruit, peanut oil, or tissues. He claimed to have had over a thousand such encounters, though law enforcement has cast doubt on the actual number. The victims ranged from students and gym-goers to foreign visitors, many of whom returned for more after initial meetings.

What has puzzled many is why these men continued to see Jiao after discovering his true gender. Several admitted to feeling curious or impulsive, often under the influence of alcohol or temptation. Some even used dating apps, where Jiao would pose as a married woman, to attract men.

Concerns Over Privacy and Public Health

The incident has laid bare societal issues surrounding masculinity and sexual repression in China. Experts suggest that the incident reflects broader frustrations and taboos that drive men to seek anonymous encounters. The potential for STDs has heightened fears, especially as many of the recorded encounters involved unprotected sex. A health official confirmed that while authorities would conduct testing for those worried about exposure, no confirmed cases of HIV or other infections have been reported so far.

The leak of videos and photographs has also caused personal distress. A man in a leather jacket, exposed through the footage, faced the end of his engagement after his fiancée confronted him. The scandal has further led to a wave of online sleuthing, with netizens scrutinising the leaked material to identify acquaintances or celebrities who might have been involved.

The Cultural and Commercial Aftershocks

The scandal has transcended social media, inspiring memes, AI-generated parodies, and fashion parodies mimicking Jiao's appearance. Wig sellers and costume shops have launched products like blunt bangs wigs and patterned blouses to help men imitate 'Red Sister's' style. Even TV personalities have joked about the incident; TVB star Bob Lam Shing-bun posted a humorous image comparing himself to Jiao, joking that he was 'Red Sister all along'.

This blur between satire, commerce, and crime highlights how quickly sensational stories can be exploited online. Some commentators argue that the case exposes a wider societal discomfort with sexuality and gender roles, which can push people toward secretive and risky behaviours. The incident also raises questions about privacy rights and the ethics of profiting from such scandals.