Latest news with #AlmostLover
Indian Express
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Hidden Love actor Zhao Lusi claims she was locked in hotel room, called ‘cursed' when she fell ill as agency stole $350k: ‘They told me I might be blacklisted'
Chinese actor Zhao Lusi, known for popular shows like Hidden Love and The Romance of Tiger and Rose, has accused her management agency Galaxy KU Media, of emotional and financial manipulation at a time when she was severely ill. In a post shared on Weibo, Zhao Lusi accused them of making financial transactions on her behalf without her authorisation. In another livestream, Zhao claimed that instead of providing her with medical support, the team locked her in a hotel room when her health was rapidly deteriorating. Zhao shared a detailed account of her troubles and claimed that the agency withdrew 2.05 million yuan (around $350k) from her studio's account after they made her team sign off on a split earning system. She claimed that the studio was dismantled without her consent and they refused to return the operational control even when she repeatedly asked for it. Zhao claimed that she was warned against speaking out or taking any legal action, and was told that she would be 'blacklisted' if she went public with her accusations. 'They told me I might be blacklisted and should stay quiet. Is that what they call a solution?' she asked. Zhao shared that after she fell ill, the agency that had previously assured her of their support, left her alone to bear all financial losses. She also claimed that they refused to terminate her contract so she was stuck in a financial mess while dealing with her ill health. It has been reported that Zhao's health started deteriorating in December 2023 while she was filming Almost Lover. Reportedly, her health went down so rapidly that she lost the ability to walk and talk. Fans of the actor claim that she was shooting with oxygen support and was using a wheelchair while on set, and all this while, she was being pushed to shoot by her management agency. ALSO READ | Not Jungkook or V, this BTS star alone powered HYBE's 85% North American revenue boost in Q1 2025 Days after she accused Galaxy KU Media of financial manipulation, she conducted a livestream where she claimed that they denied her any medical care during her illness. They allegedly said she was 'cursed' and 'locked' her in a hotel room. 'I was sick, and instead of taking me to see a doctor, you locked me in a hotel,' she said. Fans of the actor have been putting together a timeline to show that the actor was severely sick when she was being forced to work by her agency, and have been sharing her old posts where she hinted that she was being mistreated by her agency. Reportedly, the posts go as far back as 2019. As per these reports, she allegedly sent an SOS message in December 2022 to her friend Zhirui. Her condition, as per reports, was revealed as aphasia — a condition that impacts speech. However,later Zhao's close friend, Song Nanxi, alleged that the actor has been emotionally abused by the head of Galaxy KU Media for years. These allegations were repeated by her stylist and assistant, who claim she has received bad treatment for years.
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi reveals abuse by agency; says she was locked up in a room, forced into exorcisms amid financial claims
Zhao Lusi, a popular Chinese actress, shocked the entertainment industry with startling allegations against her agency, KU Media. From emotional neglect and weird rituals to financial exploitation, the Hidden Love and Almost Lover actor described the stunning and awful conditions she allegedly endured not only recently, but during her time with the agency. Zhao Lusi locked in a hotel & subjected to exorcism In a livestream, Zhao Lusi revealed that while filming Almost Lover in Hangzhou in December 2023, she fell seriously ill. Instead of receiving medical treatment, she claims her team locked her in a hotel room and brought in someone to perform an exorcism, believing she was cursed. "I was sick, and instead of taking me to see a doctor, you locked me in a hotel," Zhao said, describing the moment as deeply traumatic and isolating. Zhao Lusi's desperate 'Save me' text On December 22, Zhao reportedly sent a chilling text to her friend Zhu Rui: "Save me." Her condition, which included aphasia and the inability to walk or speak, required extensive rehabilitation. Actress Zhu Rui — friend of #ZhaoLusi reveals a screenshot of their conversation and Lusi asking, "Save Me"Zhu Rui's Weibo: "People who make mistakes should either apologize or face punishment—don't let innocent people take the blame" #TruthForZhaoLusi KU Media later claimed she suddenly sought treatment on December 18, but fans highlighted signs of her deteriorating health as early as December 14, fueling suspicion that the agency delayed her care. Zhao Lusi exposes financial exploitation by KU Media Taking to Weibo, Zhao Lusi accused the agency of withdrawing over 2 million yuan from her personal studio account without her consent. She further claimed the company pressured her team into signing off on manipulated financial reports and continued to control her finances even after her studio was shut down. Zhao Lusi threatened with blacklisting According to Zhao, she was forced to cancel numerous endorsement deals and filming projects due to her illness. Although KU Media allegedly promised to handle the resulting losses, Zhao said she was left to manage the consequences alone. When she considered going public, she claimed she was warned she might be blacklisted from the industry. "They told me I might be blacklisted and should stay quiet. Is that what they call a solution?" she asked during her livestream. Zhao Lusi's inner circle confirms long-term abuse Her longtime friend, Song Nanxi, publicly alleged that the actress had been emotionally and physically abused by KU Media's head since 2019. Her stylist and assistant echoed the sentiment, stating the abuse wasn't recent but had continued for years - further intensifying scrutiny of the agency's practices. Zhao Lusi's fans uncover timeline of abuse Fans have been combing through footage from the Almost Lover set, highlighting how visibly unwell Zhao Lusi looked in mid-December - including scenes where she needed oxygen and a wheelchair. Many believe she was forced to return to work prematurely. Additional online claims suggest the agency continued monetizing her illness through fan meetings and even tried to downplay her condition by spreading false narratives.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zhao Lusi's C-drama Almost Lover cut from 24 to 14 episodes after Hidden Love star exposed financial exploitation by agency
Zhao Lusi's upcoming Chinese drama, Almost Lover, also starring Peng Guanying, has been shortened from 24 episodes to 14 and officially submitted for review. Filming was previously halted due to Zhao Lusi's health issues, a situation that unfolded amid her ongoing feud with her management company. The actress has accused the agency of financial exploitation and overwork, which she says caused significant mental distress. Back in December, Zhao, who is globally known for her role in the hit C-drama Hidden Love, revealed she had been hospitalised from exhaustion after nonstop filming and was later diagnosed with depression, further exposing the mistreatment she faced under her current management. Zhao Lusi's drama Almost Lover changes from 24 episodes to 14 episodes amid ongoing feud On Sunday, after months of waiting, Zhao Lusi's company, YinheKuyu Media (KU), finally submitted her modern romance C-drama Almost Lover for review to Chinese streaming platform Youku—but with major changes. The drama, originally planned for 24 episodes, has now been cut down to just 14. The show had already sparked concern among fans after missing its expected June release. With Zhao's ongoing conflict with her management company still unresolved, the sudden episode cut has only added to the frustration of the Hidden Love star's fans. They just submitted Almost Lover for review by cut from 24 to 14 episodes. This drama was literally one of the reasons Lusi's health got worse. The audacity of them?? Zhao Lusi refutes the agency's denial after an explosive social media post Earlier today, Lusi, known as Rosy among her fans, slammed her management company after the agency denied allegations of contract breach. On Saturday night, Zhao posted a lengthy message on Sina Weibo, accusing the company of financial misconduct and poor communication. She claimed KU deducted 2.05 million yuan (approximately $284,700) from her studio account following a cancelled endorsement during her treatment period. Zhao also referenced failed negotiations over studio control and said the agency had repeatedly failed to uphold its promises. 'You don't need to blacklist me; I quit,' she wrote, encouraging others in similar situations to take action. 'Call the police immediately!' Agency responds, and Zhao fires back with questions In response, YinheKuyu Media issued a statement on Sunday expressing "shock" at Zhao's post. They denied any illegal behaviour or contractual violations and insisted they had always respected her wishes, especially during her illness. The agency urged Zhao to stop posting 'ambiguous content' online that might lead to public misunderstandings. They also affirmed their intention to continue fulfilling their contractual responsibilities and working with Zhao to resolve the matter. However, the actress swiftly retweeted their post and left a direct reply in the comments, asking, 'What exactly are you shocked about? Where were you when I was taking medicine and inhaling oxygen more than a week ago?' Zhao Lusi's mental Health battle Zhao's allegations and her agency's response have ignited widespread discussion across Chinese social media platforms. This isn't the first time Zhao has spoken out about her mental health. In a January 1 post earlier this year, she revealed she had been battling depression since 2019. She also described experiencing severe physical symptoms, including frequent vomiting, dizziness, and weight loss, saying her weight had dropped to around 37kg at one point. Fans have since rallied in support of the Hidden Love actress, with many calling for better protections for artists in the entertainment industry. What happen to Zhao Lusi??A thread of chronologies of what happen to her since last year until now!FREEDOM FOR ROSY#JusticeForZhaoLusi #ZhaoLusi Hidden Love star assures fans of her well-being Amid her ongoing dispute with her agency, Dating in the Kitchen actress Zhao Lusi took to livestream to ease growing concerns about her health. In an unplanned broadcast, she assured fans that she's doing well, following a wave of support after she publicly shared her medical records. The documents revealed she is currently battling anxiety, prompting many to worry about her condition. 'I'm feeling great now; I'm going to eat noodles for lunch today!' She explained that the reason she went live was to reassure everyone: 'I turned on live today to let you guys see that I'm not crazy and that I'm feeling great, so don't worry about me.' Addressing the situation with her agency, she added firmly, 'I've just had enough, and I'm not going to tolerate it anymore. What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong.' the purpose of #zhaolusi livestream today was to reassure her fans as she was afraid that her fans would be worried abt her she just wanted to share with us her daily life~ 'i'm feeling great now, i'm gonna eat noodles for lunch today! the reason why i turned on live today is… What is Almost Lover about? The upcoming Chinese drama Almost Lover follows the story of Ruan Yu and Teng Yi, who fall in love on the eve of their high school graduation. However, their budding romance is soon tested by personal struggles—Ruan Yu faces a sudden family crisis, while Teng Yi is desperate to break free from his family's control. Circumstances force them apart, and the two go their separate ways. Years later, they reunite as adults, each focused on their careers, and slowly rediscover the bond they once shared. After eight years of separation, they find their way back to each other and begin a second chance at love.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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. View this post on Instagram 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.' View this post on Instagram 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.
