Rising C-drama star Zhao Lusi has made headlines after publicly denouncing her management agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, in a shocking exposé that’s shaking the Chinese entertainment world.
In an emotional livestream on August 6, Zhao Lusi declared: “I’m ready to face the consequences. I just want to speak the truth. Right is right, wrong is wrong.”
“I’m not crazy, I’m calm,” she added. “You don’t have to ban me — I’ll walk away myself.”
These defiant statements come after a decade-long partnership with the agency, which Zhao Lusi claims consumed her youth and mental health. Despite rising from a rookie to an A-list actress under their management, she now accuses the agency of emotional manipulation, financial abuse, and career sabotage.
Behind Closed Doors: A Star’s Silent Struggle
According to Zhao Lusi, her contract was heavily one-sided. When she suffered health issues, Galaxy Cool promised support — but secretly withdrew funds from her personal studio and refused to return control over her own affairs.
This betrayal led to a mental breakdown in December 2024, and a deep depression that still haunts her. Even during her hiatus, the agency refused to protect her reputation, resulting in mounting public backlash and a tarnished image.
Insiders say the company, realizing they could no longer control Zhao Lusi, began actively working to destroy her credibility — a tactic not unheard of in China’s tightly controlled entertainment system.
An Industry-Wide Epidemic
Zhao Lusi’s case is not unique. According to 163, stars like Ju Jingyi, Song Weilong, and even Dilraba Dilmurat have faced similar struggles while trying to leave restrictive contracts.
These agreements often include slave-like clauses, with revenue splits heavily skewed (up to 70-80% in favor of the agency) and multi-year lock-ins signed when artists are young and vulnerable.
When stars attempt to leave, they face reputation attacks, blacklisting, and crippling breach penalties. In Zhao Lusi’s case, her contract reportedly runs until 2030, and breaking it could cost her over 300 million RMB (~$41 million USD) — an astronomical figure for any artist.
Industry Backlash and Support
Actresses and producers Zhang Jike and Cam Vi have come forward in support of Zhao Lusi, revealing that Galaxy Cool Entertainment had blocked them from even contacting her for major projects.
Zhao Lusi’s story has sparked widespread public outcry and revived calls for industry reform, including clearer contract laws and better protection of artist rights. “What Zhao Lusi revealed is just the tip of the iceberg,” noted one commentator. “So many smiling stars are suffering in silence behind the scenes.”
Now visibly thinner and emotionally worn, Zhao Lusi is facing an uphill battle. Legal experts note that, with her agency in full control of her activities and influence, she may face career freeze, lawsuits, or both.
Still, her bravery has opened a conversation the Chinese entertainment industry has long avoided: who protects the stars when their own agencies become the problem?
Sources: 163