Two teenagers in Shanghai have been ordered to pay more than 2.2 million yuan (S$395,000) in damages after urinating into a simmering pot of broth at Haidilao, China’s largest hotpot chain.
The incident, which occurred in February 2025, quickly went viral after the 17-year-olds filmed themselves committing the act and posted the video online. The footage, showing the teens laughing during their drunken stunt, sparked outrage and disgust across Chinese social media.
Although no diners were believed to have consumed the contaminated broth, Haidilao swiftly took action to protect its reputation. The company offered compensation to more than 4,000 customers who had visited the Shanghai branch between February 24 and March 8. Each diner received a refund worth ten times the cost of their meal.
The restaurant also replaced all tableware and hotpot equipment at the location and carried out extensive cleaning and disinfection.
In March, Haidilao filed a lawsuit against the teenagers and their parents, seeking over 23 million yuan in damages for reputational harm, refunds, equipment replacement, and sanitation costs.
Last week, a Shanghai court ruled that the teens had violated Haidilao’s property rights and reputation through “acts of insult.” The court ordered them and their parents to jointly pay over two million yuan for reputational and operational losses, 130,000 yuan for cleaning and tableware replacement, and 70,000 yuan in legal fees.
However, the court declined to hold the families responsible for the additional compensation Haidilao had voluntarily given to diners, calling it a business decision rather than a legal requirement.
The case highlights both the consequences of reckless online stunts and the importance of brand protection in China’s competitive restaurant industry.
Founded in Sichuan province in the 1990s, Haidilao has grown into a global hotpot powerhouse, with over 1,000 branches worldwide. The chain is known for its exceptional customer service and quirky perks such as manicures, games, and cotton candy while customers wait for a table.
The viral scandal tarnished that reputation, but the ruling ensures that at least part of the financial damage will be recovered.
