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Zhao Wei's name was removed from all television series, films, short videos and promotional materials from platforms such as Tencent Video, iQiyi and Youku.(Photo by=AFP) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Chinese video platforms on Friday (Aug 27) took down films that starred or have been directed by Zhao Wei, one of China's biggest stars, citing "relevant laws and regulations" which prompted widespread online speculation over the reason. Her name was also removed from online casting lists.
Zhao's name was removed from all television series, films, short videos and promotional materials from platforms such as Tencent Video, iQiyi and Youku. The shows are still available with her scenes remaining intact, but any descriptions of her involvement were removed. Zhao shot to fame for her role in My Fair Princess, one of the most successful Chinese television shows of all time that ran from 1998 to 1999. Chinese celebrities have been subjected to such treatment in the past when they have fallen foul of the authorities or public sentiment. Zhao's management agency, Pulin Saisi, told Reuters it had no knowledge of the situation.
Meanwhile, China has been cracking down on what it described as a "chaotic" celebrity fan culture, barring platforms from publishing popularity lists and regulating the sale of fan merchandise after a series of controversies involving artists. Platforms will no longer be able to publish lists of popular celebrity individuals and fan groups must be regulated, the watchdog said.