Justin Sun says he is suing actress Jing Tian to recover a staggering sum after his marriage hopes unraveled

SINGAPORE—Imagine a crypto billionaire paying a supposed $4.5 million fee so he can marry a Hollywood star—and then hiring a celebrity lawyer to get the cash back when the romance fizzled.

That, essentially, is the made-for-TMZ drama that has transfixed China over the past weeks.

The real-life cast features Justin Sun, a crypto titan known for elaborate publicity stunts; Jing Tian, a top Chinese actress who has crossed over into Hollywood; and Zhang Qihuai, a big-name lawyer who specializes in high-profile brawls.

I may not be rich but at least I'm not Justin Sun