A noodle shop owner publicly apologized on Monday amid escalating controversy over free noodle refusals. The dispute began when three women eating with four children requested multiple noodle refills at the noodle house in Zhengzhou. After being denied a third refill, the party left a negative review criticizing the owner's attitude toward children.
The noodle house owner, Huo, issued an apology video that has now disabled comments, in which he acknowledged his "emotional outburst" while reaffirming the shop's unlimited refill policy.
Following online backlash against the customers, new developments revealed that both parties had signed a mediation agreement at a local street office on Friday. The agreement stipulated that Huo would cease posting related content online. However, customer Ma disclosed to the media that the owner violated terms by livestreaming about the incident and making derogatory remarks about her family. "I felt I had no choice but to take legal action," said Ma, who is currently receiving intravenous treatment due to health deterioration from cyberbullying.