Chinese Celebrity Dong Yuhui Sparks Controversy by Deleting Weibo Posts Amid Livestream Backlash
Dong Yuhui is a well-known host and singer from China, who often uses social media platforms such as Weibo to interact with his fans and promote products. However, a recent move by Dong Yuhui to delete all his posts on Weibo has sparked controversy and raised questions about the responsibilities of public figures in China. On February 27, Dong Yuhui, who is also known for his role as a mentor on the Chinese talent show "East Planet Selection," cleared his Weibo account, which had over 15 million followers.
28 February 2024
The move came after he received backlash for refusing to explain women's undergarments during a livestream on February 24, where he was promoting various products. During the livestream, Dong Yuhui covered a wide range of products such as snacks, drinks, and even skincare products, but when it came to women's underwear, he simply said, "If you need it, then it is indeed like this," before moving on to the next item. While his refusal to explain the women's underwear may have been a result of his own discomfort or a respect for women's privacy, many netizens felt that Dong Yuhui should not shy away from his responsibilities as a public figure. Some Weibo users defended Dong Yuhui's decision to delete his Weibo posts, arguing that celebrities and public figures should be allowed to maintain their privacy. Others criticized Dong Yuhui for his lack of professionalism during the livestream and his apparent inability to handle criticism. As a result of the controversy, shares in East Planet Selection, the company behind the talent show where Dong Yuhui serves as a mentor, temporarily dipped by over 6% on February 27. However, Dong Yuhui appeared unfazed by the backlash when he reappeared on a livestream later that day.
"I haven't even spent much time in the office today, attending so many meetings, and then I came straight to this live broadcast room," he remarked. "I've been bombarded with phone calls. They ask me how I feel about it. Well, I haven't really thought about it," he said, adding that he did not delete his Weibo posts with any specific intention. This is not the first time that a celebrity in China has faced scrutiny for their actions on social media.
In recent years, Chinese celebrities have come under fire for a range of issues, from tax evasion to extravagant displays of wealth. In some cases, celebrities have been blacklisted by the media and state authorities for their actions, leading to a decline in their career prospects. Although it is unclear whether Dong Yuhui's actions will have any long-term impact on his career, the incident serves as a reminder of the growing importance of social media in the lives of Chinese celebrities and public figures. As a result, these individuals are increasingly under pressure to manage their online presence in a way that is professional, responsible, and sensitive to the concerns of their fans and followers. In an effort to address these issues, some Chinese celebrities have sought guidance from established figures in the industry. For example, popular Chinese singer Zhang Xuefeng has been praised for his ability to handle criticism and maintain a positive public image. As a role model for other celebrities, Zhang Xuefeng has advised his peers to be mindful of their actions both on and off social media, and to focus on improving their skills and contributions to society. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Dong Yuhui highlights the delicate balance that Chinese celebrities and public figures must strike between enjoying the benefits of social media popularity and addressing the concerns and criticisms of their fans and followers.
Whether or not Dong Yuhui will continue to face criticism and backlash for his actions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: social media has become an increasingly powerful force in the lives of Chinese celebrities and public figures, and those who hope to succeed in this industry must be prepared to navigate its complexities with care and sensitivity.