2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did Zhao Lusi's C-drama rival Esther Yu's agency try to ruin her career with a fake seal sneak campaign? Here's what we know
Zhao Lusi found herself at the center of one of China's biggest celebrity scandals when allegations erupted that she had forged a government seal and falsely claimed the title of "ambassador supporting farmers." The controversy, which drew in nearly 200 million netizens, quickly took a darker turn as whispers pointed toward Esther Yu - Zhao's long-rumoured rival - with many suspecting the smear campaign was orchestrated to tarnish her name.
The rivalry between Zhao Lusi and Esther Yu has been a constant point of comparison in the entertainment industry, as both are part of the post-95 generation of rising stars who made their mark through hit historical and romantic dramas. But within just 24 hours, the storm shifted. Authorities confirmed that the seal was authentic, clearing Zhao of wrongdoing. What initially seemed like a career-ending scandal began to unravel as something far more sinister: a deliberate attempt to destroy her reputation.
Esther Yu's shadow looms large
At the heart of the conspiracy talk was Qianjiang Video, the outlet that fanned the flames with a viral video accusing Zhao of fraud. The company has ties to Yuehua Entertainment, Esther Yu's agency, and a history of posting negative coverage about Zhao while relentlessly promoting Yu, even during her weaker projects. For many, it was no coincidence.
Forced into silence
Despite her attempts to clarify that the "ambassador" title belonged to her company, not herself, Zhao was drowned under a tidal wave of online hate. On August 13, she permanently deleted her Weibo account - a shocking move fans saw as proof that her rivals had succeeded, at least in silencing her voice.
Imagine even official Chinese news recognizes that the fandom spreading fake news about Lusi's 'Agricultural Ambassador' seal is fake. That's so embarrassing😭
The backlash backfires
Then came the reversal. Mainstream Chinese media and farmers from Shaanxi province - the very farmers Zhao had promoted - defended her integrity. Farmers verified that their crops had suffered hail damage and low sales, and they praised Zhao for increasing visibility. Netizens switched abruptly, debating whether Zhao was the villain or the victim of a merciless industrial takedown.
While risks remain due to her management disputes, Zhao Lusi now stands in the public eye as both survivor and scapegoat, with many seeing her as a celebrity who endured sabotage for doing good.
But the result is clear: Zhao Lusi's rivalry with Esther Yu has now turned into open conflict, and this scandal might just be the start of an even bigger fight between the two stars.
