The reality is that some people will do anything for a moment of Internet fame, even if it lands them in a police cell.
But this latest stunt is a step too far.
A shocking video has been circulating online, showing two teenage boys committing what they’ve dubbed a “urine terror” act at one of China’s most famous hotpot restaurants, Haidilao, in Shanghai.
Mind you, the renowned hotpot chain is known for its meticulous attention to hygiene and customer service and has built a reputation around its fresh ingredients and clean dining experience.
In the video, the 17-year-old boys named Tang and Wu decide to stand on top of a table, casually urinate into a hotpot.
The so-called prank was followed by a smug comment where one of them claimed the restaurant was rolling out a brand-new “urine hotpot”. Oh, how hilarious, right? There’s nothing quite as funny as urinating in a food-serving area, is there?
Naturally, this "joke" didn’t sit well with netizens. As the video gained traction, anger and disbelief spread across social media, with many calling it an act of utter disrespect.
The two boys, who had travelled to Shanghai from another province, were said to have been intoxicated when the incident occurred.
According to the Shanghai police, after their night of drinking, they decided to climb onto a table and relieve themselves directly into a hotpot.
As expected, the boys filmed their actions and shared the video, which quickly spiralled into a viral disaster. The restaurant chain, Haidilao, stated on March 6 that they reported the incident to local authorities to ensure accountability.
They stated, “Regardless of whether it was staged or not, we will resolutely investigate the legal responsibilities of the people involved, per the law.”
Haidilao also pleaded with online users not to share the video further, urging them to maintain a "clean cyberspace" because the last thing anyone needs is more footage of these misguided teens making a mockery of food hygiene.
The police have since detained Tang and Wu, with the Shanghai authorities putting them under administrative detention. This act of juvenile stupidity has led to swift backlash, reminding us all that there are lines even viral clout chasers shouldn’t cross.
Under Chinese law, administrative detention can result in up to 15 days in a detention facility, serving as a stern warning for their reckless behaviour.
Although they won’t receive a criminal record, the public backlash and legal consequences will likely follow them well beyond their release.
While we might expect some outlandish stunts in pursuit of online attention, this “urine hotpot” is in a league of its own.