#SHOWBIZ: Mother's love: Taiwanese comedian Ma Guo Bi's mum sells house for gambling debt

Taiwanese comedian Ma Guo Bi has publicly thanked his family for their unwavering support as he nears the end of a decade-long battle to eliminate a massive NT$50 million (approximately RM6.3 million) gambling debt. The 51-year-old performer fell into financial turmoil in 2013 due to a severe gambling addiction and has spent the past 13 years tirelessly working to clear his debts.

Recently, during a segment on a variety show, Ma expressed his gratitude, stating that escaping his debts was never an option. He credited his upbringing, where his parents instilled in him the values of facing problems bravely and taking full responsibility for his actions.

The emotional peak of the broadcast occurred when Ma's mother joined him on stage, alongside his father and grandmother. She revealed that she had resorted to selling her house to help alleviate her son's financial strain. Reassuring him during his lowest point, she recalled telling him, "It's safe to return home. We'll eventually pay off the debt if we keep looking forward to that day." With renewed determination, Ma vowed to work even harder to ensure that day arrives as soon as possible.