A shocking video of two 17-year-old boys urinating into a boiling hotpot at a Haidilao restaurant has set off intense debates in China. The viral incident has triggered discussions about food safety, teen responsibility, and public decency across social media.
Caught in the Act — One Pees, One Films
The disturbing clip, filmed in February inside a private dining room, shows one teenager climbing onto the table and urinating straight into the bubbling broth. Meanwhile, his friend records the act while laughing uncontrollably.
The prank, meant as a joke, quickly became one of the most disgusting viral moments of the year — turning a beloved communal meal into a national controversy.
Haidilao Responds Swiftly
As the video spread online, Haidilao acted fast. The restaurant chain issued a public apology and began full damage control. It refunded more than 4,000 customers who had dined at the branch between February 24 and March 8, offering them ten times their bill amount in cash.
Haidilao stated, "Sorry that the inconvenience to our customers can't be fully compensated, but we will try our best to take responsibility."
Teenagers Detained After Public Outcry
Initially, Haidilao considered handling the matter privately, hoping the teens would understand their wrongdoing. However, the public backlash was fierce, forcing the restaurant to report the incident to police in Jianyang, Sichuan.
Following the investigation, authorities detained both teenagers, sending a strong message against such offensive behavior.
Kitchen and Equipment Replaced
To restore customer trust, Haidilao launched a thorough sanitization campaign. The chain replaced all hotpot equipment and utensils and disinfected the entire outlet.
The restaurant clarified that broths are never reused, and every customer receives fresh equipment, ensuring that no contamination spread to other diners.
A Lesson in Decency and Responsibility
The viral prank has reignited conversations in China about the need for better social conduct, digital responsibility, and respect for public spaces. What began as a disgusting joke has now become a powerful reminder of how quickly one careless act can spiral into national outrage.
