Crypto billionaire Justin Sun is suing Chinese actress Jing Tian and her parents in an attempt to recover a $4.5 million payment made before the couple planned to marry.
Sun, founder of cryptocurrency platform Tron and known for buying Maurizio Cattelan’s duct-taped banana artwork for $6.2 million, reportedly gave Jing’s family more than 30 million yuan as a traditional betrothal gift.
His lawyer, Zhang Qihuai, confirmed that a court has accepted the case, which involves more than 30 million yuan, or roughly $4.5 million.
According to Zhang, Sun and Jing were in a relationship and had discussed marriage before separating during the first half of 2026.
Sun’s legal team argues that the money was given specifically in anticipation of marriage and should therefore be returned now that the wedding will not take place.
Jing and her parents have challenged the court’s jurisdiction, and that objection is still being reviewed. The case has not yet gone to trial.
The dispute became public after Sun posted a lengthy account on X titled “My Girlfriend Jing Tian,” describing his version of their relationship before adding a disclaimer claiming the story was fictional.
His lawyer later confirmed that Sun and Jing had been dating “with marriage in mind” and that the lawsuit is seeking the return of the betrothal payment.
Jing responded publicly on Weibo, saying she had shown “poor judgment in men” but would never exchange love for money.
She also said she believes “justice and fairness will ultimately prevail.”