Last night (Jan 14), the Taiwanese singer revealed on Weibo that he has collaborated with his girlfriend Grace Chow’s fashion brand to release a collection of streetwear inspired by his latest single ‘No Joke’. It wasn’t a joke, of course. In fact, not only was it very real — the couple even shot their look book on their streets of Tokyo — it was also supposed to be a big deal. One that meant that the couple was taking their relationship to the next level. The next level being that fans would see the collection as the couple’s lovechild and hopefully ring up the cash registers.

Well, that, we assume, was the plan.

Except Show Luo’s fans didn’t take too kindly to the announcement. They immediately swarmed his Weibo like moths to a flame, urging him to separate his work life from his personal life. Some even accused the singer of using his relationship as a ploy to get his fans to spend money. The negative comments were so relentless that Show ended up disabling the comments function of his account. An act that many saw as Show’s way of protecting Grace from all the negativity.

So why all the hostility?  

One fan explained that her displeasure stems from how there was no need for Show to collaborate with Grace since he already has his own successful streetwear brand, Stage, and that the feminine aesthetics of Grace’s brand (see pic) are not in tune with the message that Show is trying to promote.

Or as another fan put it more, um, eloquently: “Can’t she run her own brand herself? Is there anything wrong with doing your own thing?”

“I support Show Luo which is why I will support all your career choices and the artistes that you manage, as well as Stage and your cake shop,” ranted another fan. “But to use your personal relationship to get your fans to spend money, I think that’s a bit too much. It kinda feels like someone is using the Show Luo brand name to earn a quick buck.”

Ouch.

But that’s not to say it was all bad news. Some of Show’s fans have come to his defense. “If you don’t like it, then don’t buy it,” wrote one of his supporters. “Fans these days really think they are [their idol’s] parents