In recent days, Zhang Yuqi has dominated Chinese entertainment headlines for all the wrong reasons. The “The Mermaid” star was publicly accused by TV host Ge Xiaoqian of having an extramarital affair with her husband and allegedly hiring people to intimidate the legal spouse. As the accusations spread, Zhang was branded by netizens as one of the most shameless “third parties” currently in C-entertainment.
According to multiple industry sources, Liaoning Television and several national-level Chinese broadcasters have now decided to completely cut Zhang Yuqi from their programming, choosing not to invite her to participate in any shows moving forward.
In an interview with Sina on January 26, a representative from Liaoning Television confirmed that Zhang Yuqi had been removed from the lineup for the Lunar New Year Gala. The network reportedly received thousands of complaint letters demanding her removal following the allegations of inappropriate personal conduct. To avoid controversy affecting year-end programming, the broadcaster halted all rehearsals and recordings involving the actress.
This is not the first time Zhang Yuqi has faced industry backlash. In late 2024, she was reportedly subjected to a “soft ban” after being accused of acting as a third party in another relationship and allegedly using surrogacy an act prohibited under Chinese law. As a result, her appearance at a Marie Claire event was canceled, her images were removed from variety shows, and a film project quietly dropped her from its cast list.
Although Zhang began making limited public appearances again in mid-2025, she had yet to fully return to national television. Her recent reentry through Liaoning Television seemed promising until fresh scandals reignited public outrage.
Born in 1987, Zhang Yuqi is known as one of Stephen Chow’s protégées, earning fame as the “sexiest mermaid in C-entertainment” thanks to her breakout role in The Mermaid. Often dubbed the “Chinese Song Hye-kyo” for her facial resemblance to the Korean actress paired with a more voluptuous figure Zhang rose to prominence through films like The Mermaid, CJ7, and Legend of the Demon Cat.
However, her career has long been overshadowed by a turbulent personal life. Zhang has gone through two failed marriages and a long list of public relationships. Her first husband, director Wang Quanan, was arrested in 2014 for soliciting prostitution, after which she filed for divorce. In 2017, she married businessman Yuan Bayuan after just 70 days of dating. The marriage ended dramatically in 2018 after Yuan accused her of attacking him with a knife an allegation Zhang denied before announcing their divorce.
Subsequently, Zhang dated several younger men, including violinist Li Bingxi, actor Yu Shi, CBA basketball player Liu Ziqi, and other unidentified partners.
The most damaging allegations resurfaced in September 2024, when Ge Xiaoqian released footage accusing Zhang Yuqi of having an affair with Yuan Bayuan during the time he was married to Ge. According to the claims, surveillance footage showed Zhang secretly visiting Ge’s home while Ge was away on a business trip, with wedding photos of the married couple still hanging on the walls.
Ge further alleged that Zhang sought overseas surrogacy services in 2018, claiming Zhang arranged for a surrogate pregnancy while she herself was also pregnant, later presenting the two children as twins she had given birth to.
As scandals continued to pile up some even involving alleged legal violations Zhang Yuqi’s reputation has suffered what many industry insiders describe as irreversible damage, leading to her complete removal from national broadcast platforms.
Sources: K14
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