On December 11, 2025, 87-year-old artist Fan Zeng sparked widespread attention with a personal statement posted on social media. In the statement, he announced the birth of his son with his fourth wife, Xu Meng, and declared a complete severance of ties with his daughter Fan Xiaohui, stepson Fan Zhongda, and their families. He also entrusted all personal and business affairs to Xu Meng.
The announcement followed the establishment of a new company, Shiyi Fan Zeng (Beijing) Cultural Arts Co., Ltd., on December 2. Industry insiders suggest this move signals a restructuring of Fan Zeng’s business and legacy, shifting control from his extended family to his current wife.
Fan Zeng’s decision to disown his children, while emotionally charged, holds no legal weight. Legal experts note that adult children retain inheritance rights and obligations to support their parents regardless of such declarations.
The rift stems from long-standing family tensions, exacerbated by a public dispute in August when Fan Xiaohui accused Xu Meng of isolating Fan Zeng and removing valuable artworks from their home. Fan Zeng later dismissed these claims as defamatory.
With the birth of his son, Fan Zeng has prioritized his new nuclear family, sidelining his previous heirs. The newly formed company, majority-owned by Xu Meng, is positioned to centralize control over Fan Zeng’s artistic and commercial ventures, replacing the previous decentralized model managed by his stepchildren.
Fan Zeng’s career has been marked by controversy, including past disputes over his artistic methods and commercial dealings. His latest move underscores a strategic shift toward consolidating his legacy under Xu Meng’s leadership.
In his statement, Fan Zeng explicitly barred his estranged children from using his name in any commercial activities, reserving legal rights to challenge unauthorized use. Despite this, businesses linked to his stepchildren continue to sell his artworks under prior agreements.
Fan Zeng’s life has been a blend of artistic acclaim and personal drama, with four marriages and complex family dynamics shaping his public and private narratives. His latest chapter reflects a decisive break from the past, centering on his new family and a tightly controlled business framework.
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