In a shocking exposé that rocked C-entertainment, actress Zhao Lusi took to social media on August 2 with a lengthy open letter, accusing her management agency Galaxy Cool Entertainment of manipulation, financial exploitation, and blacklisting threats.
The 25-year-old star of The Romance of Tiger and Rose claimed she’s contractually bound to the agency until 2030, and must pay a staggering ¥400 million (approx. $56 million USD) to terminate early — an impossible sum even for one of China’s top young actresses.
“They drained my earnings, betrayed my trust, and now threaten me with industry exile. I regret not calling the police sooner,” Zhao declared.
Key Allegations from Zhao Lusi
Contract trap extended: Zhao Lusi admitted she “naively” renewed her contract two years ago. Now, she’s locked in for four more years unless she pays the enormous exit fee.
- Unauthorized money deductions: She accused the company of withdrawing over ¥2 million (~$280K USD) from her personal studio without consent.
- Health and career damage: Following a sudden illness in late 2024, Zhao says she had to cancel multiple projects and endorsements, footing the penalties herself — despite the company promising support.
- Threats of blacklisting: When she requested to leave, the agency allegedly threatened to “destroy” her reputation and connections in the industry.
- Studio collapse: Her personal team was reportedly dissolved after the company refused to return managerial control.
Galaxy Cool’s Response
The agency denied all accusations in a public statement the following morning, asserting they’ve always respected Zhao Lusi’s health and career. They claimed she was spreading “ambiguous statements” and harming the company’s image.
But Zhao Lusi didn’t hold back in her rebuttal. She accused the agency of hypocrisy, calling them “green tea” (a slang term for fake and manipulative) and stated she is ready for a long legal battle.
“While I was hospitalized, you were skiing in Hokkaido. Now you want to play the victim?” she fired back.
Zhao Lusi’s post laid bare the psychological toll: “My soul is already broken. There’s nothing left to lose. You don’t need to blacklist me — I quit.”
She also announced a hiatus from all entertainment activities, urging fans to focus on her fight for artist rights rather than her screen projects.
Netizen Reactions
Chinese netizens have exploded with support and outrage:
- She’s standing up for herself and other artists—brave and bold.
- Imagine being in a golden cage with no key—this is modern slavery.
- Zhao Lusi is our generation’s most courageous actress.
Others have turned their attention to Galaxy Cool’s practices, demanding regulatory intervention and artist protection laws.
Zhao Lusi’s battle with her agency is not just about a contract — it’s about dismantling a system where young stars are commodified and trapped. While the legal fight may be long, Zhao Lusi’s voice has sparked a much-needed reckoning in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Sources: k14
You must be logged in to post a comment.