Even before “Weibo Night 2026” audiences had time to fully settle into their seats, a massive controversy involving top-tier Chinese celebrities erupted. The star-studded event brought together A-list figures such as Shu Qi, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Nicholas Tse, Bai Lu, Zhang Ruonan, Song Zu’er, Zhou Ye, Lu Yuxiao, Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo, and Zhang Linghe. However, it was an unexpected seating dispute involving Yang Mi, Xin Zhilei, and Xiao Zhan that quickly dominated online discussions.

According to multiple entertainment bloggers, Yang Mi was accused of using her senior status to allegedly push Xiao Zhan out of the highly coveted center (C) position, relocating him to another row so she could secure a center seat herself. The accusations suggest that Yang Mi aimed to create a “dual center” arrangement, placing herself on equal footing with Xin Zhilei, who was reportedly positioned as a top VVIP guest.

Speculation surrounding the motive quickly spread online. After winning Best Actress at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, Xin Zhilei’s status and prestige surged, with many viewing her as having surpassed Yang Mi and other actresses of the same generation. Unable to openly challenge Xin Zhilei’s center placement, Yang Mi was rumored to have quietly shifted Xiao Zhan’s nameplate instead, effectively making herself part of the center lineup. Some attendees even claimed they witnessed event staff moving Xiao Zhan’s name card to a different seat.

The allegations ignited fierce backlash from Xiao Zhan’s fanbase, who criticized Yang Mi across Weibo and Douban, accusing her of unprofessional and unfair conduct. Yang Mi’s supporters swiftly pushed back, defending the actress and questioning the credibility of the rumors. As tensions escalated, heated arguments between both fandoms flooded social media platforms.

Journalists present at the venue later reported that, following the online uproar, Xiao Zhan was eventually reseated alongside Yang Mi and Xin Zhilei in the front row. In the final arrangement, Xin Zhilei sat in the middle, with Xiao Zhan and Yang Mi positioned on either side.

Amid growing criticism, Yang Mi’s studio responded promptly, directly tagging the event organizer Sina on social media and demanding a clear explanation regarding the seating controversy. The studio urged the organizer to address the negative allegations surrounding the seating arrangement involving Yang Mi, Xiao Zhan, and Xin Zhilei.

As of now, public opinion remains sharply divided, with debates continuing to rage online. The truth behind what actually happened has yet to be fully clarified, and many are waiting for an official statement from the event organizer or the three stars involved to finally put the controversy to rest.

Sources: K14