After a period of absence following multiple scandals, Esther Yu made her first major public appearance at the Xiaohongshu Red Gala 2026 on March 27. Her attendance effectively dispelled rumors that she had been unofficially blacklisted in the industry.
A Highly Anticipated Yet Controversial Return
Dressed in a voluminous yellow gown paired with white sneakers, the actress showcased her signature bubbly and playful persona on the red carpet. She was seen jumping, posing cutely, and interacting energetically with cameras, staying true to her well-known “over-the-top” charm.
However, reactions were far from positive. Many online users criticized her performance as exaggerated and unnatural, especially considering her age, with some calling her styling “childish” and “overdone.”
According to industry sources, Esther Yu may not have originally been invited to the event. Reports claim she attended as a last-minute replacement after Zhao Lusi declined the invitation. This revelation further intensified public scrutiny, with some questioning her current standing in the industry following her recent controversies.
Feud With Zhu Xudan Back in Spotlight
Zhu Xudan also attended the same event, and their interaction, or lack thereof, became a hot topic online. Observers noted that the two actresses appeared to completely ignore each other, even when crossing paths on stage. Esther Yu reportedly walked past Zhu Xudan without acknowledgment, reinforcing rumors of a strained relationship.
The tension is believed to stem from a past incident at the Tencent Video All Star Night 2024, where Esther Yu was accused of deliberately interfering with Zhu Xudan’s outfit on the red carpet, an allegation that sparked widespread backlash at the time.
Past Scandals Continue to Haunt
Esther Yu’s reputation took a major hit in late 2025 after multiple allegations surfaced, including claims of poor behavior toward colleagues and bullying accusations. The controversy reportedly amassed billions of views on Chinese social media.
Additional scrutiny extended to her family, with reports accusing her father of financial misconduct, including embezzlement and illegal lending practices. While these claims remain controversial, they contributed to a significant public backlash.
Despite later returning through overseas appearances and drama releases, her image has yet to fully recover, with criticism continuing to follow her public activities. Esther Yu’s Red Gala appearance marks a clear attempt to re-enter mainstream entertainment, but the intense scrutiny surrounding her behavior, styling, and past controversies suggests that her road to redemption may be far from smooth.
For now, public opinion remains divided, between those willing to give her another chance and those who believe the controversies still outweigh her return.
Sources: K14
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