The ongoing conflict between Zhao Lusi and the head of her former management company is currently the focal point of Chinese entertainment news. The 1998-born actress accused her former boss of physically assaulting, humiliating and extorting her to the point of emotional exhaustion and depression. The person specifically named for her cruel treatment of Zhao Lusi is Xu Yiruo. Since the morning of January 2, information about Xu Yiruo, alleged to be responsible for Zhao Lusi’s suffering, has been circulating widely online.
Xu Yiruo managed Zhao Lusi during her early, pre-fame years. By 2020, Zhao announced her transfer to Galaxy Cool Entertainment, ending her collaboration with Xu under unclear circumstances. According to Sohu, Xu Yiruo is one of the most enigmatic figures in Chinese showbiz. Born in 1984 in Hunan, China, she was once known by other names such as Xu Junyan. Reports indicate that she comes from a military family with substantial wealth. Xu graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, sharing the classroom with notable names like Lei Jiayin, Sun Yizhou, actress Li Nian and Du Ruoxi. She once worked as an actress in the Chinese General Political Department Theatre—a state-affiliated organization requiring significant credentials to join. Xu’s acceptance into this institution shortly after her university graduation highlights her privileged background.
In 2004, Xu transitioned to television dramas, landing leading roles almost immediately. She acted in projects like “The Palace: The Lock Heart Jade” (as Yun Gege) and “Single Princesses and Blind Dates”. While pursuing an acting career, she became a close ally of “golden screenwriter” Yu Zheng, the head of Huanyu Film, known for managing stars such as Bai Lu, Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai.
By 2013, Xu abruptly vanished from the screen for unknown reasons. She later became Zhao Lusi’s manager. In 2020, she briefly returned to acting with a minor role in the drama “Special Case Hunt”, only to retreat from the public eye again. In recent years, Xu has focused on nurturing up-and-coming talent in the entertainment industry, managing prominent stars like Zhang Linghe, Lu Yuxiao and Li Yitong. Her connections and influence in Chinese showbiz are widely acknowledged, as evidenced by her success in propelling Zhang Linghe to A-list status and making Lu Yuxiao a standout Gen Z actress.
On social media, many were shocked to learn of Xu Yiruo’s impressive background. Netizens commented that given Xu’s power and influence in the industry, Zhao Lusi, then an unknown actress in 2019, had little chance of standing up to her. Speaking out against Xu at that time would have been akin to career suicide. It reportedly took Zhao five years to summon the courage to recount the harrowing experiences she endured. Xu Yiruo has denied the allegations of abuse and extortion. Despite her denial, public criticism remains directed at the former actress-turned-manager.
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