China knife attack heroine shuns live-stream offers, fears tarnishing her brave actions

A woman in China who went viral online after she fended off a knife attacker using an umbrella has returned to the public spotlight for rejecting live streaming offers and refusing to monetise her brave act.

Liu Yang intervened during a knife attack on Pingjiang Road in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, southeastern China on September 11. Her actions prevented the assailant causing further harm.

The attire she was wearing during the incident led netizens to nickname her Floral Dress Girl.

Following the incident, the Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Gusu Branch recognised her as a “Hero for Justice and Courage,” and she was honoured with the “Brave warriors for righteousness” award by Jiangsu province, north of Shanghai.

Soon, Liu found herself at the centre of a social media frenzy.

Initially, she was happy with the recognition, but as the attention and praise escalated, she began to feel overwhelmed.