He Jiankui’s Evolving Narrative: Marriage, Social Media, and Innovation
In April, a significant transformation in the social media persona of biophysicist He Jiankui became evident. His posts reflected a provocative tone, enhanced by improved English and a deeper engagement with online culture. On April 15, he declared, “Stop asking for cat girls. I’m trying to cure disease.” This bold announcement was followed closely by another intriguing post on April 17: “I literally went to prison for this shit.”
A Whirlwind Romance
This dramatic shift in He’s online presence coincided with the progression of his relationship with Tie, who revealed that she visited China three times in 2023. During one of these trips in April, they married after a rapidly blossoming romance. To commemorate their union, Tie gifted He a silver wedding ring featuring intertwined DNA strands, symbolizing both their personal and professional connections.
The unusual dynamics of He’s social media activity and his unexpected marriage have ignited speculation among followers. Many are questioning whether they are witnessing a genuine love story, an innovative business venture, or perhaps a form of performance art, with elements of each likely present in this unique narrative.
Key Attendees and Speculations
A shared wedding photo displayed on Tie’s Rednote profile captures the couple seated in a banquet hall accompanied by a select group of guests. Among them were notable figures such as Cai Xilei, He’s attorney; Liu Haiyan, an investor and former business partner; and Darren Zhu, an artist and Thiel fellow who is currently producing a speculative documentary on He, intended to blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Clarifications on Marital Status
During a recent phone interview, Tie opted not to confirm the legal status of her marriage to He. She did, however, mention a prior marriage that ended less than a year ago. Celebrating her wedding in July 2024 in California, she noted that this relationship dissolved after a few months. Despite the past, Tie firmly asserted her feelings for He, stating, “I wouldn’t marry him if I wasn’t in love with him.”
Tie’s Accomplishments
Long before her relationship with He, Tie garnered considerable attention through her achievements. Selected as a Thiel Fellow in 2015 at the young age of 18, she received a grant of $100,000, allowing her to drop out of the University of Toronto and launch a gene-testing company called Ranomics. Her entrepreneurial prowess led to features on the “30 Under 30” list by Forbes in 2018 and appearances on CNN as a rising venture capitalist. Since then, she has founded Locke Bio, a telemedicine company established in 2020.
Conclusion
The intersection of He Jiankui’s scientific endeavors and Tie’s entrepreneurial background creates a fascinating narrative that is still unfolding. As followers continue to observe their journey on social media, the blend of romance, innovation, and personal history raises questions about the future of both individuals in their respective fields.