Chinese Influencer Dong Yuhui Faces Backlash for Refusing to Explain Intimate Apparel Products
On February 24th, during a live stream, Chinese influencer and online educator Dong Yuhui found himself the subject of controversy after refusing to explain intimate apparel products, specifically bras and underwear. Netizens on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, shared their reactions to the incident, with some expressing disappointment while others defended Dong's refusal. Dong, known for his eloquent speech and philosophical musings, received multiple requests from viewers to explain the intimate apparel products, which he repeatedly declined, stating he was "uncomfortable" discussing the subject. His response sparked debates on Weibo, with many users questioning his reluctance and whether it constituted a double standard.
26 February 2024
One user commented, "Dong Yuhui should just stick to his area of expertise. It is perfectly fine for him not to be comfortable discussing certain topics." Others, like user "卷发的鱼" (Curly Fish), praised Dong for his intellect and the wisdom he shares, saying, "We love the intellectual Dong Yuhui, and his insightful words of wisdom have taught us a lot." However, not everyone was as forgiving, with some users criticizing Dong for his refusal. One comment read, "If Dong Yuhui is not comfortable discussing intimate apparel, he should simply step aside and let someone else handle it." Another user suggested that Dong's reluctance to discuss the topic could be seen as reinforcing a double standard.
Dong addressed the controversy during another live stream on February 26th, saying, "There are many things I don't know, and there's no other reason for it. People shouldn't misunderstand; I'm just shy." He went on to explain that he did not see a connection between discussing men's underwear and sexism. This incident is not the first time Dong Yuhui has faced controversy during a live stream.
Earlier this year, he was criticized for his comments on the Chinese population, which some interpreted as an endorsement of China's one-child policy. In the live stream in question, Dong Yuhui stated, "One-child policy has resulted in the creation of a population of 1.4 billion people in China." His comments sparked outrage among many viewers, who accused him of romanticizing the policy. Dong later clarified his stance, saying, "I did not intend to support the one-child policy, but rather highlight its impact on China's population."
The recent controversy surrounding Dong Yuhui's refusal to explain intimate apparel products has reignited debates on the responsibility of online influencers and the expectations placed on them by their followers. As the line between entertainer and educator continues to blur, it remains to be seen how influencers like Dong Yuhui will navigate these complex issues in the future. In conclusion, the incident involving Dong Yuhui's refusal to discuss intimate apparel products during a live stream has sparked debates on the role of online influencers and the expectations placed on them by their followers.
While some users defended Dong's reluctance, others criticized his stance, arguing that it reinforced a double standard. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between entertainment and education in the world of online influencers and the responsibility they carry in shaping public opinion.