Pub singer who refused drink with customer assaulted by boss

A Chinese pub singer was locked up and then beaten up by her boss after she refused to have a drink with a customer.

According to reports online and on social media, the incident happened at a pub in Anshan city, in China's Liaoning province at about 1am on May 21.

The woman, who is known as Xiaoxi, said she was punched, kicked and even bitten for as long as three hours, reported Mail Online.

The violent attack left her with bruises all over her face and body, her eyes swollen badly and a bloody nose.

She posted photos of her injuries on social media, after police ignored her when she lodged a report, NetEase reported.

Her pictures were captioned with the message: "We are artistes, not escorts. We have our own dignity."

Xiaoxi is now reportedly recovering from her injuries in hospital.

She has won huge support since her posts on social media went viral, according to Mail Online.

seanyap@sph.com.sg