New revelations have emerged surrounding alleged secret gatherings between young idols and wealthy elites, following explosive accusations made by singer Zeng Yanfen in defense of actress-singer Ju Jingyi. Zeng’s statements have reignited public debate over the darker side of idol management and the harsh realities faced by young entertainers.
According to iFeng, Ju Jingyi recently filed a lawsuit against her former agency, Shanghai Siba Culture Media Group (Siba Media), accusing the company of forging her signature and unlawfully extending her contract by up to 20 years. Ju Jingyi’s side further alleged that Siba Media exploited her, concealed her true income, and consistently failed to protect her interests as an artist.
After the contract dispute became public, Zeng Yanfen also a former member of idol group SNH48 came forward to support Ju Jingyi. She accused Siba Media of forcing artists under its management to attend “private parties,” accept controversial jobs, and even bring underage members to social gatherings where they were expected to entertain influential figures and drink alcohol.
In a post on her personal social media account, Zeng Yanfen wrote that the company often sent young members, including minors, to karaoke sessions or private dinners with powerful executives under the guise of “business networking.” She claimed that these events involved crude jokes and inappropriate physical contact, and emphasized that the artists were never asked for consent before being sent to such gatherings.
Following Zeng’s revelations, media outlets revisited footage and reports from a private party held in 2014 at the residence of Wang Sicong, once known as China’s wealthiest heir. At the event, members of SNH48 were seen wearing school-uniform-style outfits, bunny-ear headbands, dancing around Wang Sicong, and participating in games at his direction. The images sparked renewed outrage, with critics accusing both Wang Sicong and Siba Media of objectifying young female idols and treating them as commodities for entertainment.
Zeng Yanfen also revealed that Siba Media had previously lost a lawsuit filed by another artist who accused the company of forcing female performers to attend drinking sessions. Despite winning the case, the whistleblower reportedly became the target of severe online harassment, was labeled “mentally unstable,” and later suffered from depression. Zeng stated she is prepared to face legal action herself and has already secured evidence to support her claims.
In response, Siba Media denied all accusations, calling them fabricated and defamatory, and announced plans to sue Zeng Yanfen for damaging the company’s reputation. The agency stated that her claims “maliciously distort the past and tarnish the integrity of all members.” Zeng fired back bluntly, asking, “Since when did telling the truth become fabrication?”
Meanwhile, Ju Jingyi continues her legal battle to fully sever ties with her former agency. She has stated that Siba Media consistently suppressed her career growth. Since leaving the company, Ju Jingyi has reportedly gained access to higher-profile fashion resources, appeared on major magazine covers, secured multiple advertising deals, and received better-quality film and television projects.
Siba Media, however, has warned potential partners against working with Ju Jingyi and, by mid-December, issued what many described as an ultimatum to the actress nicknamed the “once-in-4,000-years beauty” demanding that she stop spreading information harmful to the company. The agency also claimed to possess evidence of serious financial misconduct on her part, stating it had paid her a total of 139 million yuan over ten years.
According to QQ, this strategy may be an attempt to turn public opinion against Ju Jingyi by fueling resentment toward highly paid celebrities. Combined with ongoing discussions about taxation and potential blacklisting, the dispute highlights the immense pressure faced by artists who dare to challenge powerful management companies in the entertainment industry.
Sources: K14
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