Chinese actress Bai Lu is facing renewed scrutiny after her appearance on the latest season of the variety show Keep Running, where several of her on-screen remarks have sparked debate over tone and sensitivity.
The controversy emerged from a behind-the-scenes interaction between Bai Lu and younger guests from Teens in Times. During the conversation, the guests mentioned feeling exhausted after a morning challenge. Bai Lu, however, responded that she didn’t find it tiring—only hot—despite their confirmation of the physical strain.
This moment quickly drew criticism online, with viewers pointing out that the actress had participated in a comparatively lighter activity, while other members endured more physically demanding tasks like rowing and long-distance relay swimming. Many argued that her comment came across as lacking empathy, given the uneven difficulty of the challenges.
The situation escalated further during the main broadcast, when Bai Lu referred to veteran members Li Chen and Zheng Kai as “older people” in a joking tone, while mimicking their actions during games. While intended as humor, some viewers felt the remarks bordered on disrespect, especially toward long-standing cast members who have shaped the show’s identity.
The backlash arrives at a difficult time for Keep Running, as the new season reportedly opened with one of its lowest ratings to date. Audience dissatisfaction has been attributed not only to format fatigue but also to cast dynamics and on-screen interactions that feel less engaging than in previous seasons.
Still, not all reactions have been negative. A portion of viewers has defended Bai Lu, arguing that variety shows are designed for entertainment and spontaneity, and that her comments may have been exaggerated or taken out of context through editing.
The incident ultimately highlights a broader issue in the current entertainment landscape: as reality and variety content become more scrutinized online, even casual remarks can quickly escalate into controversy. For Bai Lu, the debate serves as another reminder that public image in unscripted formats can be just as impactful as scripted performances.
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