Jet Li reveals social anxiety struggle, says he may be “slightly autistic”

Martial arts legend Jet Li recently revealed that he has long struggled with social anxiety, often avoiding media events and crowds unless required for filming.

In a Douyin Reel uploaded on June 20, the 62-year-old said early fame caused him to lose his sense of self. “I couldn’t even eat a meal outside because everyone would crowd around me to talk,” he said. “If I didn’t smile, they would say I wasn’t polite. I realized that I couldn’t satisfy everyone. When I saw others unhappy, I felt a sense of fear and worry.”

The pressure led Li to withdraw from social settings, and he admitted, “I think I may be a bit of a recluse.” He added that he suspects he may be “slightly autistic,” describing how fan expectations become overwhelming. “You sign for the first 50 people, but the next 10 who didn’t get an autograph won’t be happy,” he said.

To address his isolation, Li turned to philanthropy, founding the One Foundation in 2007 and working with the Red Cross Society of China. “Sometimes I think, when I’m helping others, I’m also helping myself to become someone who is more open to communicating with others,” he said.

 

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