Famous Chinese TV hostess Li Xiang announced in her blog Wednesday night that she has been divorced from jewelry tycoon Li Houlin for a while, the first confirmation from the couple following rumors they had split.

Earlier this month, an anonymous man who claimed to be a staff member in Li Houlin's company revealed to the media that the couple's two-year marriage was in trouble. Later, photos and video clips showing Li Xiang dining with another man appeared in the domestic press.

The TV star said she had told the truth in her blog because she could no longer stand people's quizzical looks and the rumors. "It's true that our marriage is over. I did not say anything earlier because I was afraid of appearing in tabloid headlines, and I didn't want to affect our day-to-day life."

Li wrote: "We got married bravely, despite never-ending gossip around us, which I don't regret. It's a pity when a marriage finally ends, because both of us are faced with a heavy workload as well as pressure from the media. I am grateful to Houlin who helped me overcome the period when I felt like giving up my career. He treated me kindly like an elder brother or even a father. He helped me mature and I will never forget the days spent with him."

Li Xiang was recently caught by paparazzi intimately dining with a man after hosting a conference at Hunan Satellite TV, raising suspicions that she had a new lover. The TV hostess criticized the media report as ridiculous. "We are longtime friends and work mates. Anyway, I have to say sorry to several friends involved in the issue. I hope the media will leave them alone."

Since the two Li's tied the knot January 2 last year, the media were suspicious of the marriage and there were rumors that Li Xiang suffered domestic violence, which was denied by the couple.

Li Houlin, who refused to disclose the exact date of the divorce, also confirmed the split Wednesday. "We are still friends," he said.

"I don't want to have anything to do with showbiz in the future. I think it (divorce) is better for her, and gives her more time on work."

Before the marriage, Li Houlin was reported to have had affairs with actress Qin Hailu and singer Zhou Yanhong. He was previously married and has a son in primary school.

Earlier reports said Li had also had an affair with an actress during his short marriage with Li Xiang, which both parties denied.

(CRI November 24, 2006)
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