The paparazzi pics were taken while Ziyi was on the Caribbean island of St. Barts with her boyfriend Vivi Nevo. It’s said to be a private beach, but it doesn’t matter if it’s private or public… it’s a violation of privacy regardless.

Unfortunately the word privacy is no longer relevant in Hollywood… I think most of the western stars have got used to being hunt down by cameras where ever they go; and if they are getting naked on beaches… they should know what’s coming next.

What’s funny (or perhaps saddening on different perspective) is the responses from the Chinese public about the issue. While there were some folks who showed sympathy for Ziyi, lots of the online comments were rather harsh on the couple.

How is it supposed to be a national shame for topless sunbathing? How is it supposed to be a shame for canoodling with a man of different skin colour? How is it supposed to be a shame if she doesn’t have a 36D figure?

I guess there are too many jealous Chinese men around who are depressed that they couldn’t get a blonde girlfriend while seeing their top star taken by a white dude. I wonder what would be their responses if there’s a top Chinese male star caught sunbathing with a blonde on the beach… jumping in joy?

Zhang Ziyi’s topless sunbathing photos saga from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Zhang Ziyi and Vivi Nevo in a recent event (Image from Eastday)

Vivi Nevo, 42, is a venture capitalist and one of the richest men in New York. He is one of the largest single shareholder in media giant Time Warner and also owns major stakes in some other companies through his investment arm.

The couple was first spotted together in January 2007 watching a basketball game in New York.

Zhang Ziyi to wed Vivi Nevo in 2009 from YeinJee's Asian Journal