Chinese singer and actor Chen Linong recently found himself at the center of an online controversy after a behind-the-scenes video from an upcoming project began circulating on social media.

The clip, reportedly filmed during production of The Long Life, features Chen Linong alongside actress Zhang Yifan. Due to the camera angle and distance from the actors, some viewers interpreted the footage as showing inappropriate physical contact. As the clip spread across Chinese social media platforms, the topic quickly gained traction, with related discussions becoming a trending subject on Weibo.

Shortly after the controversy emerged, a longer version of the video was shared online. The extended footage reportedly showed that the actors were filming a scripted romantic scene and that the viral clip had been misleading when viewed in isolation. Many netizens noted that the original video lacked context and that the camera angle contributed to misunderstandings about what was taking place.

The release of the full clip led to renewed discussions, with some users criticizing the spread of conclusions based solely on a brief segment of footage.

In response to the growing controversy, Chen Linong’s agency released an official statement. According to the agency, certain online users deliberately used the edited or misleading footage to spread false information, post defamatory comments, and encourage harmful speculation about the artist. The statement argued that these actions caused significant damage to Chen Linong’s reputation and public image. As a result, the agency announced that it had retained legal counsel and begun collecting evidence against individuals and accounts accused of spreading false allegations and defamatory content online.

Chen Linong first rose to fame as a member of the project boy group Nine Percent following his success in the Chinese survival program Idol Producer. After launching a solo career, he expanded into acting and made his film debut through the 2020 fantasy movie Red Fox Scholar.

Since then, Chen Linong has continued to build his career across both music and acting, maintaining a large fanbase in China and throughout Asia.

Sources: Koreaboo