On January 22, Zhou Yuan’s primary social media account, along with several affiliated accounts, was permanently blocked. For an online entrepreneur whose business heavily relied on digital platforms, the move is considered a devastating blow. However, according to Chinese media outlet Sohu, the situation has worsened significantly for the founder of the controversial “Sexual Intelligence Academy.”
By January 30, the Market Supervision Administration of Yuhua District in Hunan Province announced that a special interdepartmental task force had been formed to investigate Zhou’s operations. Authorities stated that if violations are discovered, she could face heavy fines and confiscation of illegal earnings. Her teaching activities have already been completely suspended.
As details surrounding her allegedly non-transparent business practices spread online, many former students have come forward claiming they were misled. Several have demanded refunds for courses ranging from trial classes costing just a few dozen yuan to premium one-on-one programs priced at tens of thousands of yuan. Combined with potential regulatory penalties, Zhou is now reportedly facing enormous financial liabilities and possible debt.
Sohu suggested that Zhou’s downfall was self-inflicted. The report noted she could have built a sustainable career using her experience in the beauty industry but instead pursued profit through controversial relationships and seduction training programs, which critics accused of promoting distorted values and diminishing women’s dignity.
Before rising to online fame, Zhou, now in her 40s, worked as a bank employee before quitting to open a beauty clinic. She later transitioned into relationship coaching and seduction training programs targeted at women, eventually gaining over 200,000 followers online.
Promoted as the “Queen of Sexual Intelligence,” Zhou claimed she had helped more than one million people since launching her academy in 2018. Her business offered both online and offline courses, with prices starting at 9.9 yuan (approximately $1.5) for livestream or recorded sessions. Advanced seminars reportedly cost up to 88,000 yuan (around $13,000).
According to Lanjing News, Zhou’s paid courses generated over 24 million yuan (roughly $3.5 million) and attracted tens of thousands of students. Her company also expanded into selling adult products and beauty-related medical items. Despite her popularity, Zhou faced strong criticism throughout her career. Some commentators labeled her programs as encouraging extramarital affairs, while others argued her teachings pressured women to prioritize pleasing men over personal empowerment.
Sources: Znews
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