Fan Bingbing was once a symbol of beauty and power in the Chinese entertainment industry, boasting international influence, a stellar career and immense wealth.
However, in an instant, everything collapsed. From the queen of Chinese showbiz, she became a prime example of downfall, facing severe repercussions for violating the law
tax evasion.
The Largest Tax Evasion Scandal in Chinese Showbiz History
In late May 2018, host Cui Yongyuan unexpectedly accused director Feng Xiaogang and Fan Bingbing of using “yin-yang contracts” to evade taxes. This common loophole in China’s entertainment industry involves one public contract with a low fee reported to tax authorities, while a second, hidden contract stipulates a higher payment.
According to Cui Yongyuan, Fan Bingbing’s contract with Feng Xiaogang’s film crew included a clause where she only needed to be on set for four days to receive 60 million yuan. However, the official contract submitted to tax authorities only stated a payment of 10 million yuan, with the remaining amount negotiated privately in a separate agreement.
After Cui Yongyuan’s accusation, Fan Bingbing disappeared from the public eye for over three months. By October 2018, she was found guilty of tax evasion and fined 884 million yuan.
A Downfall That Shook the Industry
The Chinese government launched an intense crackdown on tax evasion in the entertainment industry, making Fan Bingbing a warning example. Her career took a dramatic fall as she was banned from appearing in Chinese media, losing all commercial endorsements and film projects.
Before the scandal, Fan Bingbing was one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, ranking among Hollywood stars with roles in blockbuster films like X-Men: Days of Future Past. She also dominated luxury brand endorsements and was a global ambassador for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. However, after the scandal, major companies cut ties with her, causing an estimated 1 billion yuan loss in revenue.
Life After the Fall: International Pursuits and Struggles
Since her exile from the Chinese entertainment industry, Fan Bingbing has turned to international markets. She made appearances at major fashion events like Cannes and the Oscars, signaling her attempt to re-enter the global spotlight.
Recently, she gained attention for being the only Asian member of the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival jury. Additionally, she has taken part in several international film projects, such as The 355 and Green Night, but none have achieved major success.
Despite her efforts, reclaiming her former glory remains a significant challenge. The Chinese entertainment industry continues to restrict her presence, and her attempts at a comeback in China have been met with resistance.
Current Status: Can Fan Bingbing Make a Comeback?
Although Fan Bingbing still holds influence in international fashion and film circles, her ability to return to the Chinese market remains uncertain. The shadow of her tax scandal lingers, making it difficult for her to secure roles in major Chinese productions.
She continues to attend prestigious global events and collaborates with foreign filmmakers in hopes of revitalizing her career. However, whether she can regain her former status remains an open question.