Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi reportedly facing 'soft ban' in China; actress' reality show pulled over disciplinary talks
2025 was meant to mark Zhao Lusi's much-anticipated return after stepping away from the spotlight due to health issues last December. However, her comeback has hit an early setback. Chinese media reports claim the Hidden Love star is now facing a 'soft ban' in the industry after her reality show Little Courage was pulled from broadcast. The show's removal reportedly stems from a fallout between its production company, Mango TV, and China's cultural regulators.
Why has Zhao Lusi's show Little Courage been pulled from airing?
On April 21, Chinese media outlet 163 reported that top executives at Mango TV, a subsidiary of the Hunan Broadcasting System, were called in for disciplinary talks by China's cultural regulators. The move comes amid growing backlash over a string of controversial reality shows produced by the network, including Little Courage, starring Zhao Lusi.
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Sources revealed to the publication that regulators issued formal reprimands to Mango TV's leadership and ordered a suspension or delay of multiple programs that had drawn widespread criticism. Little Courage, which followed Zhao Lusi's journey of recovery after a serious health scare, has already been taken off the air in the aftermath of the incident.
Is Zhao Lusi facing a 'soft ban' in China?
Recent developments suggest Zhao Lusi has reportedly landed on an internal "risk list" among Chinese celebrities following the sudden removal of her reality show.
On April 19, luxury brand Versace is said to have cancelled a scheduled commercial appearance with the actress, further fueling speculation of an unofficial 'soft ban.'
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However, this might just be a coincidence, as cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury announced the Dating in the Kitchen star as its global ambassador on Monday. Fans argue that if she were under investigation or facing industry sanctions, this high-profile campaign would likely have been postponed or cancelled.
Why did Zhao Lusi's reality show spark controversy?
Zhao Lusi faced backlash for her reality show in Little Courage, which started airing on March 27. Audiences criticised her for being tone-deaf and performative, accusing her of overdramatising her personal struggles and sharing stories about her affluent background in a way that felt insincere, particularly when interacting with rural communities facing genuine hardship.
Many also criticised her for not completing her impending schedule, including the filming of her upcoming drama Almost Lover, and instead travelling to high-altitude mountains right after her recovery.
One segment of social media users also called out the 26-year-old for villainising her parents in the show while talking to children, saying this would negatively impact the young and impressionable minds.
Meanwhile, it was recently confirmed that Almost Love will air sometime this year; however, an exact release date has yet to be revealed.
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