This yr appears to be a peak yr to see China’s leisure stars falling from the sky. After numerous movie star scandals occurred earlier in 2021, a significant ‘leisure circles earthquake’ took place in late August.
Well-known actresses Zhao Wei (赵薇) and Zheng Shuang (郑爽), together with Chinese language music producer and TV host Gao Xiaosong (高晓松), noticed their names and work wiped from numerous on-line channels. On-line fan teams and ‘tremendous matters’ devoted to those celebrities, in addition to others, have been taken offline.
China’s leisure circles haven’t seen so many scandals and investigations since 2014, when there have been so many Chinese language celebrities in prison that netizens spoofed the well-known 1987 motion film Jail on Hearth (监狱风云) and jokingly made it function imprisoned stars with the primary lead for actor Huang Haibo (黄海波).
A 2014 meme that includes Chinese language celebrities in jail.
The latest blow to Chinese language leisure tradition is partly associated to a bigger “clear up” marketing campaign (清朗专项行动) focusing on celebrities and on-line fan communities.
Many Chinese language celebrities from the leisure trade have been ‘canceled’ over the previous years over their unlawful conduct and actions. However not all movie star scandals are associated to top-down measures; typically there are these whose fame turns into irreversibly broken over dishonest, intercourse scandals, inappropriate (leaked) on-line messages, or by them getting caught up in controversial and delicate historic or political points.
Typically the ‘trial’ is by the general public, different occasions it’s by authorities, nevertheless it at all times finally ends up being a trial by media.
We’ve compiled a high 25 checklist of Chinese language celebrities within the present enterprise who suffered a public fall from grace with updates on the place they’re now, maybe giving an thought of what the long run may seem like for these Chinese language stars who’ve not too long ago been ‘blacklisted.’
This checklist solely contains these celebrities whose scandals performed out on-line within the age of social media. It’s a high 25 of ‘tainted celebrities’ inside mainland China’s leisure trade, listed in chronological order of when their fame suffered a blow.
#1 Edison Chen 陈冠希
Edison Chen is a Canadian-born Hong Kong actor, singer, and entrepreneur whose 2008 intercourse photograph scandal (“艳照门”) shook Chinese language leisure circles. Though this scandal largely pertains to the Hong Kong leisure trade, we’ve nonetheless added it to this checklist since additionally it is broadly recognized in mainland China.
The scandal erupted when intimate and personal images began circulating on the web, exhibiting the actor with numerous ladies, together with actresses Gillian Chung, Bobo Chan, Rachel Ngan, and Cecilia Cheung. The images have been, amongst others, disseminated on the Chinese language web discussion board Tianya, the place they obtained over twenty million views.
The images have been stolen from Chen’s pc and illegally uploaded on-line. Over eight individuals have been arrested in relation to this case (see wiki page here). In February of 2008, Chen introduced that he would step away from the Hong Kong leisure trade.
The place is he now?
By now, Edison Chen has turn out to be a household man. In 2017, he married Chinese language supermodel Qin Shupei and so they have a child collectively.
Chen is a model ambassador for Ralph Lauren, and collectively along with his household he additionally participated within the model’s “Household is who you’re keen on” marketing campaign.
Chen has been profitable in enterprise – he’s the founding father of the streetwear label CLOT. He additionally has a big following on Weibo of over 29,5 million followers (@edc陳冠希).
However, the actor can’t appear to shake off scandal. In June of 2021, he was caught in scandal again when older posts of a Chinese language girl surfaced on Weibo wherein she accused the actor of making an attempt to seduce her twice between November 2016 and January 2017.
#2 Man Wenjun 满文军
The medicine scandal involving well-known pop star Man Wenjun (满文军, 1969) grew to become main information in China in Might of 2009 when the movie star was busted with heroin throughout a raid within the Beijing Coco Banana nightclub, the place he was celebrating his spouse’s fortieth birthday in a VIP room.
Ma is most well-known for songs similar to I Perceive You (懂你) and Eager for My Hometown (望乡). He was additionally one of many singers who sang the theme tune Beijing Welcomes You (北京欢迎你) for the 2008 Olympics.
The singer and his spouse have been detained, together with greater than ten different individuals who all examined constructive for drug use. On the time, China.org reported that an unnamed drug seller instructed media that the movie star couple have been frequent drug customers and acquired 2.5 grams of heroin from him.
Man finally solely served twenty days in jail. His spouse, nevertheless, obtained a for much longer sentence. Li Li (李俐) – Man’s second spouse after a earlier divorce – later confessed to giving ecstasy tablets to 2 those who night. She obtained a one-year jail sentence and a 2,000 yuan penalty.
The singer was criticized for testifying in opposition to his personal spouse. When she heard her husband’s testimony in opposition to her (alleging that she was the one doing medicine), she allegedly referred to as her husband ‘inhumane.’
The incident sparked on-line dialogue concerning the ethical requirements of celebrities, and China.org printed an inventory of celebrities who beforehand additionally obtained caught up in drug-related scandals.
Man’s arrest would simply be the start of a fair longer checklist of celebrities getting caught with medicine within the years after.
The place is he now?
Unsurprisingly, Man Wenjun and Li Li at the moment are divorced.
The medicine scandal meant a significant blow to Man’s fame, and regardless of nonetheless releasing new music and occasional performances, he would by no means once more regain the success he as soon as had. It’s rumored that Man now runs his personal music coaching establishment, the place he’s a music instructor.
#3 Li Daimo 李代沫
Li Daimo (李代沫, 1988), is a Chinese language singer who rose to fame in 2012 throughout the first season of The Voice of China (中国好声音).
In July 2013, Li got here out as being homosexual. Many netizens applauded Li for popping out, and he gained overwhelming assist from followers and followers.
In March of 2014, nevertheless, Li’s fame suffered when he was arrested by Beijing police on account of drug possession. Li was discovered responsible and was sentenced to a high quality and 9 months in jail.
The place is he now?
After spending seven months behind bars, Li was released from jail in December of 2014. His early launch was due to good conduct.
After being launched from jail, Li resumed his music profession. In 2015, he launched a single titled “Thank You” (谢谢你). Li remains to be lively on Weibo (@李代沫Demon), the place he has over 1,000,000 followers.
Though Li’s tainted previous remains to be typically talked about on Weibo, he is among the few artists who appears to have made some form of a comeback to the leisure trade after such a significant controversy, though he’ll most likely by no means return to the success he as soon as had. Throughout some stay streams Li has accomplished, the singer is commonly scolded by netizens.
#4 Huang Haibo 黄海波
Huang Haibo (黄海波, 1976) is a famend award-winning Chinese language actor who suffered a public fall from grace in 2014 when he was caught soliciting a prostitute in a Beijing lodge. The then-39-year-old was beforehand often known as China’s nationwide “son-in-law” for occasionally enjoying the good man and best husband in Chinese language productions.
In Might of 2014, Beijing Municipal Public Safety Bureau introduced that Huang was arrested on suspicion of hiring prostitutes, after which he was sentenced to fifteen days in jail, adopted by a six months sentence of “custody and reeducation.”
After the scandal made headlines, Huang was now not supplied new roles and his TV and movie profession in mainland China got here to an abrupt finish.
Though Huang positively was shut out from the leisure trade on account of this affair, he was not essentially ‘canceled’ by the general public. Many individuals sided with him since they felt he was trapped and even purposely framed – somebody will need to have tipped off the police to ensure that them to catch him within the act on the Beijing lodge.
The place is he now?
In 2015, only a yr after the scandal made headlines, Huang introduced he and his accomplice have been anticipating a child. The actor has since moved to the US.
His accomplice is Chinese language actress Qu Shanshan (曲栅栅), who remains to be working.
Huang nonetheless has over six million followers on his Weibo account. He has not appeared in any Chinese language productions since his scandal.
#5 Zhang Mo 张默
Zhang Mo (张默, 1982) was a well-known actor in Chinese language TV dramas and movies who is particularly well-known for his main position in Let the Bullets Fly. He’s additionally the son of well-known actor and producer Zhang Guoli (张国立).
In July of 2014, the actor was arrested in Beijing for unlawful drug use. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail and was fined 5,000 yuan ($800) for drug use and offering others with a venue for drug use. The scandal went viral on Chinese language social media, with many feeling sorry for father Zhang Guoli having to cope with such a troubled son.
It was not the primary time for the actor to be caught up in controversy, and he grew to become often known as a insurgent. He was concerned in one other drug-related incident in 2012. Years earlier than, his ex-girlfriend Tong Yao accused Zhang Mo of assaulting her.
The place is he now?
Since his previous controversies, Zhang Mo has moved on to work behind the screens. Zhang was photographed on a set collectively along with his father Zhang Guoli in March of 2021.
It’s reported that apart from working behind the scenes (he allegedly is a senior govt), Zhang Mo can also be a significant shareholder of at the very least two movie and tv corporations.
#6 Kai Ko / Ke Zhendong 柯震东
Though the actor and singer Ko Chentung (柯震东 Ke Zhendong, 1991) – often known as ‘Kai Ko’ – is from Taiwan, he was additionally very talked-about in mainland China, which can also be the place his career-changing scandal happened.
The actor and singer was arrested for possession of medication in Beijing on August 14 of 2014 along with Jaycee Chan, who can also be on this checklist. Shortly after his arrest, Kai Ko’s supervisor confirmed the actor could be launched on August twenty eighth after a detainment of 14 days. He additionally acknowledged that Kai Ko felt “very ashamed” of himself.
Though the actor was denounced on social media, there have been additionally many followers who confirmed their assist and even some who vowed to use drugs in assist of Ko if he would disappear from the leisure trade.
The arrest of Ko Chentung over medicine abuse was particularly controversial as a result of Ko beforehand appeared in an anti-drug commercial in 2012, wherein he clearly acknowledged: “I don’t do medicine!”
The place is he now?
After his detainment, Ko delivered a tearful apology on state broadcaster CCTV earlier than returning to Taiwan. The actor was reduce from two films and model partnerships and upcoming present engagements have been all canceled.
Though Ko has barely accomplished any massive tasks as an actor or singer over the previous eight years, he returned to the massive display in 2021 within the movie Moneyboys.
#7 Fang Zuming (Jaycee Chan) 房祖名
Actor and singer Jaycee Chan (房祖名, 1982), the son of the tremendous well-known Jackie Chan, was amongst a number of individuals who have been arrested throughout an August 2014 drug bust at his condominium in Beijing.
Investigators discovered 100 grams of marijuana in his residence, and the actor additionally examined constructive for marijuana use. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail for the possession and distribution of marijuana, and for accommodating drug customers at his residence.
Earlier than his arrest, Jaycee labored on the movie Monk Comes Down the Mountain (道士下山), however his position was not credited because of the medicine scandal. He was additionally dropped by the model he beforehand labored with, together with Adidas, Nivea, KFC, and Chevrolet.
Jaycee’s drug use and jail sentence have been already unhealthy sufficient, however what made issues worse is that his father Jackie was beforehand appointed as goodwill Ambassador for the China Nationwide Anti-Drug Committee.
The place is he now?
Though Jaycee hinted at a comeback to China’s leisure trade in a public speech he gave after his launch from jail, he has by no means been capable of get again the success he had earlier than his arrest. He’s now largely working behind the scenes, and has additionally turn out to be a producer.
With a dad like Jackie Chan, Jaycee hardly has to fret about his monetary state of affairs although. Earlier this yr, the fallen movie star was noticed smoking cigars and driving a Mercedes Benz automotive.
Though he has a Weibo account with 7,4 million followers, Jaycee’s account web page is empty.
#8 Yin Xiangjie 尹相杰
Yin Xiangjie (尹相杰, 1969) is a Chinese language singer, host, and actor, who rose to fame after his efficiency on the Beijing TV Lantern Competition in 1994. He grew to become very talked-about afterward and was a daily visitor on the Spring Competition Gala.
In December of 2015, the singer was arrested at his residence for possessing and consuming unlawful medicine. Authorities discovered over 10 grams of medication at his residence, together with crystal methamphetamine. Yin Xiangjie was sentenced to seven months in jail.
With China having a zero-tolerance angle to medicine, any drug-related scandal would already be a significant blow to the fame of Chinese language celebrities. Within the case of Yin, the scandal had an ever deeper impact as a result of the singer was beforehand appointed as an envoy in an anti-drug marketing campaign of 2007.
The place is he now?
Yin’s first arrest, sadly, was not his final. The singer was arrested once more in November of 2015, additionally in relation to medicine, simply shortly after he was launched from jail.
Based on the newest experiences, Yun nonetheless seems in some obscure commercials with the intention to generate an earnings. However Yin’s as soon as so profitable profession in China’s leisure trade appears to be positively over.
#9 Le Jia (Tim Le) 乐嘉
Le Jia (乐嘉, 1975) is a Chinese language psychology professional and a broadcast creator, who grew to become a well-known TV host and entertainer in mainland China, particularly after he began collaborating within the in style TV courting present If You Are The One (非诚勿扰) in 2010.
Le Jia is the founding father of the 4-colors Persona Evaluation (FPA) and the China Persona Colours Analysis Heart, labeling himself as the primary particular person in China to make use of colours to determine character varieties – a subject about which he printed a number of best-selling books.
Le’s 2015 participation within the TV present Tremendous Speaker (超级演说家) brought on controversy when Le drank baijiu (liquor) throughout the recording on stage after which obtained wildly drunk, inflicting him to behave improperly and scold the opposite hosts on the present (videos of the show are nonetheless lingering on-line). Company of the present left the stage, and the recording was halted.
The incident was a significant blow to Le Jia’s fame and his TV profession got here to an abrupt cease.
The place is he now?
As a result of Le Jia profession didn’t totally revolve round China’s leisure enterprise, the controversy didn’t essentially finish his skilled profession; it was simply the tip of a interval wherein he grew to become a very talked-about TV host.
As a psychology professional, Le remains to be promoting books and giving trainings. The 46-year-old can also be nonetheless concerned within the Persona Colours Analysis Heart.
Le Jia can also be lively on Weibo, the place he has a following of 43 million (!) followers (@乐嘉).
#10 Fu Yiwei 傅艺伟
Fu Yiwei (傅艺伟, 1964) is an award-winning Chinese language actress recognized for, amongst others, her position as Su Daiji within the TV sequence The Investiture of the Gods (封神榜). She was married (and divorced) two occasions, and has a son.
Fu made headlines in February of 2016 when Beijing police reported the actress was arrested for utilizing medicine and permitting two others to make use of medicine in her condominium in Liangmahe, Beijing.
It was beforehand already rumored the actress was utilizing medicine on account of her conduct and facial features when she appeared in discuss reveals years earlier than.
The actress was sentenced to jail was launched in April of 2016, after which she issued a public apology on Weibo.
The place is she now?
Fu has not gone again to the leisure trade as a significant actress after her medicine scandal. Based on 2021 reports, Fu Yiwei lives in an opulent home positioned within the middle of Beijing.
She remains to be lively on Weibo (@演员傅艺伟), the place she often posts an replace.
#11 Ma Rong 马蓉
The marriage crisis between Chinese language movie star Wang Baoqiang (王宝强) and Chinese language actress Ma Rong (马蓉) grew to become the primary trending matter on Weibo on August 14 in 2016 when Wang printed a message on his official Weibo account that he was divorcing his spouse Ma Rong and firing his agent Tune Zhe (宋喆), accusing the 2 of getting secret affair.
Wang Baoqiang vs Ma Rong grew to become the divorce of the decade, primarily as a result of the story unfolded itself on Weibo. On-line debates have been fuelled by the general public posts and feedback printed on-line by each Wang Baoqiang and Ma Rong.
Ma Rong grew to become the primary goal of on-line vitriol, as nearly all of Weibo’s netizens sided with the favored actor Wang Baoqiang, saying that Ma Rong was a cheater who solely married Wang for his cash.
In December of 2018, Ma Rong accused her ex-husband of attacking her, and dramatic images of a seemingly injured Ma Rong quickly unfold on social media. Ma Rong spoke to reporters whereas mendacity in her (hospital) mattress, tearfully talking about Wang abusing her. Afterward, nevertheless, safety footage from surveillance cameras at Wang’s home leaked on-line and confirmed the way it was Ma who got here to Wang’s home, carrying scissors together with her to intimidate Wang’s household. The actress was then accused of staging your entire incident.
Within the midst of all controversy, Ma Rong grew to become one among China’s “most-hated” celebrities.
The place is she now?
Ma Rong remains to be typically being scolded on Chinese language social media, and her title will most likely be tarnished for a very long time. However, the actress is often nonetheless posting on her Weibo account and Xiaohongshu, and every time she is noticed out in public, she appears to be like well-dressed and at all times wears costly clothes and jewellery.
#12 Li Xiaolu 李小璐
Li Xiaolu (李小璐, 1982), often known as Jacqueline Li, is a Chinese language actress and singer who was as soon as the youngest actress to win the Golden Horse Award for Finest Main Actress in Xiu Xiu: The Despatched Down Woman (天浴). In 2012, Li married the well-known Chinese language actor Jia Nailiang (贾乃亮), with whom she had a child shortly after.
In late 2017, Li obtained into an enormous scandal when she was photographed spending the evening on the residence of The Rap of China rapper PG One. Since Li was nonetheless married on the time, social media blew up over this ‘dishonest gate’ (出轨门), particularly as a result of Jia Nailiang was requested on live-stream the place his spouse was and he allegedly replied: “Getting her hair accomplished!”
In October of 2019, older movies leaked on-line that confirmed Li and PG One kissing and behaving like a pair. A month later, Jia and Li introduced they have been getting divorced.
The extramarital affair meant a significant blow to Li’s fame as she was now being ‘canceled’ by the general public and labeled as a “unhealthy document performer” (劣迹艺人).
The place is she now?
Li Xiaolu nonetheless has her Weibo account with over 44 million followers. She typically posts content material associated to her 8-year-old daughter, and he or she additionally does sponsored content material and livestreams.
Though Li nonetheless has her followers and might be doing properly with promoting merchandise on-line, her title nonetheless typically comes up in a unfavorable method, and controversy appears to observe her to this present day – many netizens assume the actress is unethical for her previous affair and for the best way she clothes and raises her daughter.
#13 Chen Yufan 陈羽凡
Chen Yufan (陈羽凡, 1975) is a Chinese language actor and singer-songwriter and half of the favored pop duo Yu Quan (羽泉). In 2018, Chen grew to become a ‘tainted movie star’ when Beijing authorities introduced on Weibo that the artist had been arrested for drug possession after they’d obtained ideas from the general public.
As reported by SupChina on the time, the singer at residence joined by one other particular person when the police caught him with 7.96 grams of crystal meth and a couple of.14 grams of marijuana. Each Chen and the 25-year-old feminine he was with examined constructive for unlawful medicine.
Chen was detained, labeled a “drug addict,” and was ordered to pay common visits to a neighborhood rehab middle for 3 years.
Later, Chen’s musical accomplice and pal of twenty years, Hu Haiquan (胡海泉) posted on Weibo that he was damage by Chen’s actions, which additionally affected their followers. Their upcoming live performance was canceled and the duo band, which was established in 1998, was dissolved.
The place is he now?
Though Chen nonetheless has his Weibo account, he barely makes use of it. The singer has withdrawn from the general public eye.
Chen divorced his ex-wife Bai Baihe (白百何) in 2015, however the two are nonetheless noticed collectively since they’ve a baby collectively. Chen now has a brand new girlfriend, the a lot youthful He Shizhen (何时珍). Previous to his medicine scandal, Chen’s love life was additionally a trending matter on Chinese language social media, as Chen and Bai solely disclosed their divorce in 2017 after rumors of dishonest surfaced on-line.
At any time when Chen is seen in public someplace, netizens touch upon his look; Chen appears to have gained weight and infrequently appears to be like a bit sloppy.
Chen is a shareholder in numerous corporations and is now working behind the scenes within the music trade. Based on the newest articles, Chen has additionally opened his personal recording studio.
#14 Fan Bingbing 范冰冰
Fan Bingbing, one of the crucial famend and highest-paid actresses in China, discovered herself on the middle of a social media storm in late Might of 2018.
The actress allegedly obtained a complete fee of 60 million yuan ($9.3 million) for simply 4 days of labor on the movie Cell Cellphone 2, of which she supposedly solely declared 10 million ($1.56 million) to authorities.
The tax scandal first got here to mild when Chinese language TV host Cui Yongyuan (崔永元) leaked two completely different contracts on social media; the one which allegedly confirmed that the actress was paid a complete of 10 million RMB for her work, with one other exhibiting fee of fifty million RMB for the very same work. These kinds of contracts are referred to as yin-yang contracts (阴阳合同), an unlawful observe to keep away from paying taxes.
What adopted after the scandal was months of silence and rumors. The actress was final seen in public on July 1st, and social media rumors alleged the actress may need left the nation and that she was banned from performing for 3 years. At one level it was even rumored that the actress had been arrested.
The place is she now?
In October of 2018, Chinese language state media reported that Fan Bingbing had been ordered to pay taxes and fines price a whole bunch of hundreds of thousands of yuan over tax evasion and that the actress wouldn’t be held criminally liable if she would pay the penalty in time.
That very same day, Fan got here out with a public apology. Her Weibo account stayed up.
The actress launched her personal magnificence model, Fan Magnificence Secret (Weibo), in 2019. She has not fully gained again the favor of Chinese language netizens, who not too long ago slammed her for posting “staged” images of herself ‘working’ on her magnificence product formulation in a lab.
Regardless of all controversy, Fan has accomplished remarkably properly in staying within the highlight, in contrast to most others on this checklist. She nonetheless has over 64 million followers on her Weibo account and he or she is lively as a model ambassador for numerous corporations, together with the Be Robust components (花冠贝智康) and the Swedish Daniel Wellington.
#15 Wu Xiubo 吴秀波
Beijing-born actor and musician Wu Xiubo (吴秀波, 1968) is known for his position in lots of TV dramas and films, together with the tv sequence Earlier than the Daybreak and the hit movie Discovering Mr. Proper (北京遇上西雅图). His fame suffered a critical blow when the actor, who has been married since 2002 and is the daddy of two youngsters, was rumored to have been concerned in numerous extra-marital affairs.
The scandal began in September 2018, when Chinese language actress Chen Yulin (陈昱霖), often known as Ruby Chen, posted the historical past of her alleged seven-year relationship with the married actor on social media. She described the connection as being one the place Wu was very controlling of her. She additionally alleged that she obtained messages from different ladies, in 2013 and in 2017, who have been additionally sexually concerned with Wu.
In January of 2019, Chen’s dad and mom printed an announcement on social media wherein they claimed their daughter was requested to disclaim the allegations she had made in opposition to Wu in return for cash. After Wu’s authorized staff and Chen had made an association, Chen returned to mainland China to settle the matter. The second she landed at Beijing airport in November of 2018, she was arrested by native Beijing police for blackmailing Wu.
Chen, who was detained since November of 2018, was finally sentenced to a few years in jail and he or she was launched in 2021.
Though Chen was discovered responsible, Wu Xiubo’s fame was ruined. Many individuals felt that how he handled Chen was fallacious and that he was evil for having extramarital affairs within the first place.
Following the controversies, Wu Xiubo was blocked by main Chinese language tv stations and a few of the packages he appeared in have been now not aired. Wu would initially host the 2019 Spring Gala, however his position was canceled. The romantic drama movie Somebody Like It Scorching 2., that was scheduled to launch in 2019, was additionally canceled and plenty of selection reveals that featured Wu have been taken down or reshot.
The place is he now?
For the reason that scandal made headlines, Wu hardly ever makes public appearances. In late 2019, Wu did put up a video message to assist arts college students making ready for the nationwide faculty entrance examination. Based on Global Times, many didn’t admire his non permanent ‘comeback,’ with some bloggers calling him ‘pathetic.’
He’s nonetheless on Weibo (@吴秀波), the place he has 8,5 million followers, however he barely posts updates. On a ‘tremendous matter’ fan web page that’s devoted to the actor, followers nonetheless put up images of him on daily basis.
There are ongoing rumors concerning the monetary difficulties the actor is going through. In 2020, he offered his mansion in San Marino, California, at a loss. The actor is a shareholder in a number of corporations and he’s nonetheless married to his spouse. A comeback to China’s leisure trade appears unlikely for now.
#16 Zhai Tianlin 翟天临
Zhai Tianlin (翟天临, 1987)- often known as Ronald Zhai – is a widely known actor in China for his work in numerous movies and TV dramas. He starred in, amongst others, the acclaimed sequence White Deer Plain (白鹿原).
In 2019, the actor obtained caught up in controversy over alleged educational misconduct. The actor had been admitted to the Beijing Movie Academy in 2014 as a doctoral candidate in Movie Science and obtained his PhD in June 2018. In 2019, the actor shared his pleasure over being accepted into Peking College for postdoctoral analysis.
Zhai’s new journey, nevertheless, led to on-line investigations into his earlier educational works. As reported by BBC on the time, the South China Morning Put up noticed discrepancies in Zhai’s submissions and widespread doubts over Zhai’s educational achievements started to flow into on-line.
Considered one of Zhai’s essays didn’t include any citations, and one other confirmed many similarities with an article beforehand printed in 2006. Some netizens started comparing the essays and located that 40% of Zhai’s essay was copied.
Doubts about Zhai’s educational efficiency have been already raised when, throughout a stay video session, Zhai confirmed ignorance of the CNKI (China Nationwide Data Infrastructure), a digital library that the majority students are often utilizing, or at the very least are conscious of.
In mild of the net controversy, Beijing Movie Academy arrange an investigation course of, which finally led to Zhai’s PhD being revoked in February of 2019 on account of plagiarism. The incident meant the tip of Zhai’s educational profession and tarnished his fame.
The place is he now?
Zhai has not made headlines since his educational plagiarism controversy, which additionally ended his flourishing profession within the leisure trade. He nonetheless has over 10 million followers on his Weibo account (@翟天临), however hasn’t participated in any main works because the incident.
Based on some reports from 2021, Zhai has began his personal performing coaching lessons, suggesting his future profession will primarily happen behind the scenes.
#17 Zhao Lixin 赵立新
The 2019 case of Zhao Lixin (赵立新, 1968) might be essentially the most related in context to that of Zhang Zhehan, who obtained caught up in controversy in August of 2021 and can also be on this checklist.
The Weibo account of Zhao Lixin was closed after the Chinese language-Swedish actor made controversial feedback on the Second Sino-Japanese Battle. Zhao Lixin was primarily recognized for his roles in TV dramas similar to The Legend of Mi Yue, Memoirs In China, and Within the Silence.
On April 2nd of 2019, the actor, who had greater than 7 million followers, posted a message on his social media account that questioned why the Japanese navy didn’t pillage and destroy the Beijing Palace Museum throughout the Second Sino-Japanese Battle:
“The Japanese occupied Beijing for eight years. Why didn’t they steal relics from the Palace Museum and burn it down [during that time]? Is that this according to the character of an invader?”
The actor additionally commented on the Nanjing Bloodbath of 1937, suggesting that it was a consequence of Chinese language resistance to the Japanese invasion.
His feedback brought on a social media storm with individuals accusing the actor of defending the Japanese. A prolonged apology by Zhao didn’t assist. Apart from being blocked from Weibo, he was additionally criticized and boycotted by state media and his most up-to-date TV manufacturing was canceled.
The place is he now?
It has been over two years since Zhao was principally banned and misplaced the chance to do films and TV dramas. Though it was initially rumored that the actor had been deported (he has Swedish nationality), he truly saved a low profile and made new plans.
The actor truly performs at a ‘stay theater bar’ in Beijing, the place individuals can have drinks and meals whereas having fun with drama performances by skilled actors. Based on the newest opinions, the bar is at all times totally booked and there are raving opinions.
Different sources claim the artist additionally offers theater workshops for aspiring actors. The workshops, that aren’t low cost, are apparently a hit.
Though Zhao has not returned to Weibo, there’s a ‘tremendous matter’ fan club devoted to him on the platform.
#18 Tong Zhuo 仝卓
Tong Zhuo (仝卓, 1994) is a Chinese language singer, actor, and TV host from Shanxi who grew to become a trending matter in June of 2020 when it was found he had dedicated fraud throughout the gaokao, the nationwide faculty entrance examination.
The scandal first broke when Tong was chatting with followers throughout a live stream. Whereas laughing, he admitted that he had solid his identification for the gaokao: “We used a number of so-called guanxi (connections) after which I grew to become a recent highschool graduate,” stated Tong, 26, laughing with one hand over his mouth.
Tong Zhuo stated he had initially failed his faculty entrance examination in 2012. So as to have the ability to get right into a high artwork college that solely accepts latest highschool graduates, he modified his private info when he participated within the gaokao the subsequent yr in 2013 and faked being a recent graduate.
Tong’s personal confession led to an investigation by the Shanxi provincial schooling division. One other investigation additionally regarded into the position of his stepfather Tong Tianfeng, a deputy secretary-general in Linfen metropolis.
Tong Zhuo was finally stripped of his commencement certificates by the Central Academy of Drama. His stepfather Tong Tianfeng was faraway from workplace, and three schooling officers have been put underneath police custody for allegedly forging paperwork.
The place is he now?
Tong Zhuo remains to be very lively on his social media, posting selfies and vlogs. He additionally nonetheless performs, though he has not participated in any large media performances because the scandal.
#19 Zheng Shuang 郑爽
Zheng Shuang (郑爽, 1991) grew to become one of many largest trending matters of 2021 when the Chinese language actress obtained caught up in a surrogacy scandal. Zheng rose to fame when she starred in a well-liked TV sequence in 2009 (Meteor Bathe 一起来看流星雨). She grew to become an award-winning actress and was chosen as one of the crucial bankable younger actresses of the post-90s era. On her Weibo account, she had over 12.4 million followers.
The scandal came to light when it appeared that Zheng’s had separated from her accomplice Zhang Heng (张恒). The previous couple had two youngsters within the US by a surrogacy association, however Zheng Shuang allegedly refused to have them as a result of she and Zhang had damaged up – though her title was on their beginning certificates.
The state of affairs, which was quickly dubbed ‘Surrogacy Gate’ (‘代孕门’), left Zhang Heng stranded in the US with the 2 infants. He claimed he was unable to carry them again to China with him since Zheng didn’t cooperate with the mandatory authorized procedures.
In mild of the controversy, Italian style model PRADA fired Zheng as their model ambassador, and different corporations, together with Lola Rose and Chioture, additionally ended their partnership contracts with the actress.
Zheng’s skilled profession suffered a significant blow when Huading Awards introduced it could revoke Zheng’s honorary titles, together with former awards for greatest actress and favourite TV star. The movie star was additionally boycotted by China’s State Administration of Radio, Movie, and Tv.
The place is she now?
Zheng Shuang remains to be very a lot caught up on this scandal, and he or she won’t go away it behind her any time quickly.
In late July of 2021, her ex-partner posted a prolonged and angry blog on his Weibo the place he aired the soiled laundry relating to their authorized struggles and private conflicts. This put up got here after Zheng herself broke her six-month social media silence to apologize for her surrogacy scandal.
One other apology adopted in August of 2021, on the identical day when it grew to become recognized the actress needed to pay a $46 million high quality for tax fraud. This all occurred throughout the “August 26/27 Chinese celebrity earthquake.” Zheng Shuang additionally noticed her on-line fan circles eliminated, and a number of other TV dramas Zheng acted in have been faraway from main video platforms.
Zheng at the moment has court-ordered visits together with her youngsters within the US (her ex-partner has custody). Based on Today Online, Zheng has formally moved to America and isn’t doing properly financially.
In social media posts that appear to have been eliminated afterward, Zheng claims that her household’s financial institution accounts have been blocked and that she has no earnings since she is just not allowed to work within the US. She wrote:
“If it makes you are feeling any higher, I can let you know that I drink faucet water on daily basis to outlive, I personal a complete of 5 T-shirts and two pairs of denims, and I’ve by no means ordered supply,” she wrote. “I even should be frugal when shopping for sanitary napkins, and bathroom paper needs to be used sparingly.”
What units Zheng Shuang aside from a few of the different ‘canceled’ celebrities on this checklist, is that she nonetheless has her social media accounts and a loyal fan following. She may lack bathroom paper, however she nonetheless has 12,3 million followers on her Weibo account.
#20 Zhang Zhehan 张哲瀚
Chinese language actor Zhang Zhehan (张哲瀚, 1991) obtained caught up in controversy in August 2021 when images of him visiting Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine and attending a marriage at Nogi Shrine went viral on social media. The truth that a few of these images have been three years outdated didn’t appear to matter: Zhang obtained critical backlash for being ‘unpatriotic’ and was even accused of being a traitor to his nation.
Whereas Nogi Shrine was established to honor Basic Nogi Maresuke, who led Japan’s navy throughout the First Sino-Japanese Battle (1894-1895), Yasukuni Shrine is devoted to the Japanese troopers who sacrificed their lives for the emperor, together with those that dedicated warfare crimes in China. It’s typically seen as an emblem of Japanese navy aggression and as a painful reminder of the quite a few atrocities dedicated by Japanese troopers in China and different Asian nations.
Though Zhang Zhehan rushed to apologize for his “ignorance” relating to these traditionally delicate locations and expressed his love for China, it didn’t settle the social media storm. All the businesses that beforehand labored with the Chinese language movie star, together with Coca-Cola, Taobao, and Clinique, quickly introduced the termination of their partnership.
Zhang was additionally a model ambassador for Yanjing’s Xuelu beer. Hundreds of beer cans along with his face grew to become nearly ineffective after the controversy. Images exhibiting the deserted beer cans have been shared on-line by individuals on the warehouse, who claimed the beer could be destroyed since corporations allegedly had even refused to get them totally free.
On August 15, inside 48 hours after the controversy erupted, Sina Weibo introduced that it could shut down Zhang Zhehan’s private account, his studio account, and the ‘tremendous matter’ fan web page devoted to him. The Weibo Administration (@微博管理员) wrote: “As a public determine with a big following and plenty of followers, establishing right historic views and values is essentially the most primary degree {of professional} ethic and the underside line that have to be adhered to – ignorance can by no means be an excuse.”
That very same day, the China Affiliation of Performing Arts additionally released a notice wherein they referred to as on members to boycott the actor for “negatively influencing the mass viewers of youths.” The actor was additionally criticized by the official media.
The place is he now?
Because the mud has not settled but, it’s nonetheless too early to attract any conclusions on how this controversy has affected Zhang, however it’s protected to say that Zhang’s life radically modified inside a matter of just some days. The images he took at two traditionally delicate Japanese shrines meant a possible finish to his profession – no social media, no model partnerships, and an trade boycott. Only a yr prior, the actor had been given an award for Rising Artist of the 12 months.
Regardless of all controversy, Zhang nonetheless has a loyal fanbase. Though Zhang now not has his personal social media accounts, a few of his followers on Weibo are posting messages wishing him properly.
#21 Kris Wu 吴亦凡
The Chinese language-Canadian famous person Kris Wu, higher often known as Wu Yifan (吴亦凡) in China, grew to become a trending matter on Chinese language social media in the summertime of 2021 after he was accused of grooming underage women and pressuring ladies into intercourse.
The 19-year-old pupil Meizhu Du (都美竹) was the primary to accuse Wu of predatory conduct, with at the very least 24 extra ladies coming ahead claiming the movie star confirmed inappropriate conduct and luring younger ladies into sexual relationships.
Though Wu denied all allegations, the famous person was detained on suspicions of rape on July thirty first. Weibo’s servers barely appeared to have the ability to deal with the spike in visitors after the information got here out, and feedback got here pouring in.
Shortly after Wu’s detainment, his Weibo account obtained shut down and greater than a dozen corporations both reduce ties or terminated contracts with him. Because the scandal unfolded, numerous hashtags associated to the story obtained billions of views on Weibo.
Wu was later additional erased from Chinese language social media; numerous accounts exhibiting assist to the singer have been taken offline, and his music was faraway from the key Chinese language music streaming platforms.
On August 16, Kris Wu was formally arrested.
The place is he now?
At this level, it’s nonetheless unknown what sentence Kris Wu will face, and whether or not or not the singer will enter a responsible plea which could pace up the authorized procedures.
If the Chinese language-Canadian movie star is convicted, it’s possible that he’ll serve his sentence in China after which be deported to Canada (he holds a Canadian passport). Chinese language state media reported that Wu could also be sentenced to 10 years to life if all allegations transform true.
Though Kris Wu may face a grim future, it’s noteworthy that the star, regardless of being nearly wiped from social media, nonetheless has many loyal followers who would gladly welcome him again.
#22 Zhao Wei 赵薇
On August 26 of 2021, the title and works of one of many nation’s most notable actresses, Zhao Wei (赵薇 aka Vicky Zhao, 1976) have been faraway from Chinese language on-line channels. Looking for Zhao Wei’s title on Chinese language video platforms Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku abruptly got here up with zero outcomes, and her title had vanished from the solid lists of the numerous movies and dramas she featured in.
Zhao Wei’s sudden disappearance from the highest leisure web sites despatched shockwaves over social media. Zhao Wei was clearly ‘canceled’ by increased authorities, however the precise motive why was nonetheless unknown by September 2021 – though there was much speculation on what the explanation could possibly be.
By early September, movie star buddies of Zhao had eliminated images taken along with the actress, and Baidu Baike, often known as the Chinese language Wikipedia, had even erased the title of the actress from the pages of the TV dramas and movies she featured in (though she nonetheless had her personal wiki web page right now).
This was not the primary time that Zhao obtained caught up in controversy, though it was by no means this unhealthy earlier than. In 2001, the actress wore a mini-dress printed with the outdated Japanese naval flag throughout a style shoot, triggering main backlash over her perceived lack of sensitivity to historic issues.
The place is she now?
On the time of writing, Chinese language netizens are nonetheless ready for solutions on what has brought on Zhao Wei being erased on Chinese language on-line channels. Some rumors say the actress has fled to France, the place she has property, however nothing is confirmed right now.
Zhao Wei does nonetheless have her Weibo account, the place she has over 85.6 million followers.
#23 Qian Feng 钱枫
Only a week after Kris Wu was arrested, the favored Chinese language tv host Qian Feng was accused of rape in August of 2021. Qian is primarily often known as the host of “Day Day Up” (天天问上), a well-liked Chinese language discuss present broadcast on Hunan Tv.
As reported by Sixth Tone, a lady by the title of Xiao wrote on Weibo that the 37-year-old TV host raped her whereas she was drunk and unconscious. The incident allegedly occurred in 2019.
Though Xiao had reported the incident to the police, it didn’t result in an arrest on account of a scarcity of proof. After Xiao’s put up went viral, Shanghai authorities issued an announcement to clarify why the investigations got here to an finish and that they welcome Xiao to offer new proof.
Pending investigations, Hunan TV suspended Qian Feng. One Weibo hashtag associated to the accusations in opposition to Qian obtained over two billion views (#钱枫被曝性侵#).
The place is he now?
On August 27 of 2021, Qian Feng got here out with an announcement on his Weibo account (@钱枫oscarqian) wherein he indicated that the investigations into the case have been already rightfully concluded in 2019 and that he positioned his belief within the Chinese language authorized system.
On the identical time, he shared that he had terminated his contract with Hunan TV.
#24 Henry Huo 霍尊 (Huo Zun)
Henry Huo (霍尊, 1990) is a Chinese language singer-songwriter and actor who gained nationwide fame after profitable the primary season of Sing My Tune (中国好歌曲). Henry was requested to carry out within the CCTV Chinese language New 12 months Eve Gala and was awarded the title ‘2014 Drama King.’
In the summertime of 2021, Huo introduced his withdrawal from the favored TV present Call Me By Fire after his ex-girlfriend Chen Lu (陈露) publicly accused him of being a serial cheater and leaking WeChat dialog screenshots to show that he truly disliked the present.
On August 14, Huo issued an internet apology for the latest controversy, saying sorry for his misbehavior and the “unhealthy social affect” he had brought on.
Apart from Huo’s exit from Name Me By Hearth, the controversy additionally led to Huo’s first efficiency on the present being eliminated.
Throughout China’s “leisure circles earthquake” of August 26 and 27 (more here) on-line fan teams to Huo have been shut down, and his Weibo account was briefly disabled.
The place is he now?
Henry Huo remains to be on Weibo (@霍尊), the place he has over 8.7 million followers, however his account remains to be disabled.
Huo’s entry within the mainstream on-line encyclopedia Baike has been altered and now contains the latest controversy. It isn’t clear at this level if Huo’s withdrawal from China’s leisure trade is a short lived or a everlasting one.
#25 Gao Xiaosong 高晓松
In late August of 2021, the work of the well-known musician, TV host and co-founder of Alibaba Music Group Gao Xiaosong (高晓松) was taken offline. Among the many erased works are his TV present (Xiaosong Pedia 晓松奇谈, faraway from video platforms similar to iQiyi) and the books he wrote (now not accessible on numerous e-commerce platforms). There was no official motive given for Gao being canceled like this.
Nevertheless, the Chinese language Historial Analysis Institute (中国历史研究) printed a put up on Weibo about Gao, criticizing him for historic nihilism and for “overtly attacking and slandering our individuals’s military” throughout his talks on his TV present.
All through his reveals, Gao made numerous remarks concerning the Sino-Japanese Battle, typically mentioning views or views that go in opposition to the official Chinese language narrative. Gao additionally visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and allegedly expressed his sympthathy with these Japanese individuals visiting the shrine to commemorate their family members who died within the warfare.
Yasukuni shrine is devoted to the Japanese troopers who sacrificed their lives for the emperor, together with those that dedicated warfare crimes in China. It’s typically seen as an emblem of Japanese navy aggression and as a painful reminder of the quite a few atrocities dedicated by Japanese troopers in China and different Asian nations. In the article by the Chinese language Historic Analysis Insititute, Gao is accused of “defending Japanese militarism.”
The place is he now?
Identical to different celebrities caught up within the latest ‘leisure circles cleanup’, a lot remains to be unclear about why Gao was canceled and what his future will seem like. Some rumor that the net erasure of each Gao and Zhao Wei may be related to their hyperlinks to the Alibaba Group.
On the time of writing, no official assertion was given but by authorities nor by Gao himself.
By Manya Koetse (@manyapan)
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