China's internet was recently abuzz with the news about badminton superstar Lin Dan's extramarital affairs. Lin is two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion. He is married to two-time women's world champion Xie Xingfang, whom he cheated shortly after she gave birth to their first child. Lin apologized, and was subsequently forgiven by Xie. One would assume that should end the interlude in their marriage.

However, I found the ending troubling, especially because Lin, comparatively speaking, had it too easy. A short while ago, when news broke out that Ma Rong had betrayed her movie star husband Wang Baoqiang, netizens were furious for months, accusing Ma of infidelity and so many other things, including using Wang's wealth and fame for personal gain. Some even accused Ma's mother of bad parenting. Lin, however, attributed his action to alcohol and got away with it.

The media's treatment of the scandals shows hidden biases, which are dangerous for society. Obviously, sexism plays a big role in the variation of consequences in the two scandals. The Chinese public should reexamine the hidden gender bias against women when it comes to betrayals. Why hold women to a higher moral standard when both actions are equally wrong? Are men less capable of being faithful in marriage?