BEIJING - Kim Lee, American wife of Li Yang, one of China's most celebrated English teachers, filed for divorce on Thursday, according to Beijing Chaoyang District Court.

Kim requested custody of all three children and an equal division of the couple's joint property, according to the court.

Li Yang was known for creating the concept of "Crazy English", shouting out to memorize and practise the language. He had been successful since he started his business of English teaching in China in early 1990s.

Kim said in her submission that she fell in love with Li in 1999 when she first arrived in China, and has been assisting Li with English teaching since then.

They were registered as married in Newada in the United States in 2005 and Beijing in 2010.

Kim accused Li of abusing her several times.

On August 31, Kim posted photos online, showing her bleeding left ear, swollen forehead and knees, which triggered a wave of public criticism against Li.