li yifeng prostitution scandal
li yifeng prostitution scandal

On August 21, Sohu reported that the People’s Court of Chaoyang District, Beijing, issued an enforcement order requiring actor Li Yifeng to pay debts totaling 49.9 million RMB (approx. 7 million USD). Two media, film, and culture companies founded by Li in July 2018 were also blacklisted as “dishonest debtors” after failing to comply with legal obligations set by the court.

The exact reason behind Li Yifeng’s forced repayment remains unclear. However, many believe it stems from the aftermath of his 2022 prostitution scandal and leaked explicit video. Following the controversy, Li was expelled from the entertainment industry and ordered to pay enormous compensation to commercial partners and film producers. His alleged refusal to settle debts for three years likely led to the lawsuit and compulsory enforcement.

Concert Controversy in Thailand

In April this year, Li Yifeng sparked outrage when he held a concert in Thailand to mark his comeback after the scandal. As Li is permanently blacklisted in China, his overseas activities were seen as a way of circumventing the ban.

His defiant attitude was condemned by the public, who accused him of being a negative role model and exploiting fans despite his criminal record. Many netizens urged authorities to implement stricter regulations to prevent disgraced celebrities like Li from profiting under the guise of stardom.

The Scandal That Ended His Career

Li Yifeng’s career collapsed in September 2022 at the age of 35, when he was arrested for repeatedly soliciting prostitution. He was placed in administrative detention for 15 days, during which a 7-second explicit video of him spread widely online. The woman involved, known as Blase Wanwan, was exposed as one of his sex partners. Reports revealed that in 2018, Li had paid her for a 5-day, 4-night trip to Koh Samui, Thailand. After the scandal broke, Blase posted cryptically on her social media: “It’s come to this… let me eat first,” which many took as confirmation of the incident.

Following the revelations, Li was completely banned from the industry and forced to compensate his partners up to $20 million USD.

Life After Showbiz

After leaving the entertainment world, Li returned to live quietly in his hometown of Chengdu, China. The 1987-born actor has occasionally been spotted eating out, shopping, or playing sports with friends. When approached by fans for photos, he reportedly responded politely without avoiding attention.

Despite his downfall, Li maintains a comfortable lifestyle thanks to the fortune he amassed during his acting career. He is said to have shifted his focus to business investments as a new source of income.

The prostitution scandal and leaked video ultimately marked the end of Li Yifeng’s once-celebrated career.

Sources: kenh14