On April 21, Chinese media outlet 163 reported that senior executives at Mango TV, a division of Hunan Broadcasting System, had been summoned for disciplinary talks by China’s cultural regulators. The move follows mounting criticism over controversial reality shows produced by the network, including the much-discussed Little Courage, starring actress Zhao Lusi.
Government Intervention and “Cold Treatment”
According to insiders, the regulators have not only reprimanded Mango TV’s leadership but also ordered the suspension or delay of certain programs that have sparked public outrage. Zhao Lusi’s show Little Courage, which documents her recovery from illness, has already been pulled from air following the fallout.
The situation has placed Zhao Lusi on a risk list among Chinese celebrities. On April 19, luxury fashion house Versace reportedly canceled a planned commercial event involving the actress, fueling speculation that she is facing an unofficial “soft ban,” a practice in China where artists are informally blacklisted without official announcements.
Despite the swirling rumors, cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury publicly announced Zhao Lusi as a global ambassador just this morning. Fans argue that if she were indeed under investigation or facing sanctions, such a campaign launch would not have gone forward, casting doubt on claims of a “ban.”
Why the Public Turned on Zhao Lusi
The backlash stems from Zhao’s performance in Little Courage, which began airing on March 27. Marketed as a heartfelt story about regaining courage amid adversity, the show instead drew intense criticism for being tone-deaf and performative.
Audiences accused the 1998-born actress of overdramatizing her personal struggles, using emotional stories about her affluent background and even her parents in a way that felt disingenuous, particularly when sharing them with rural communities genuinely facing hardship. Netizens labeled her behavior as “pretentious,” “shallow,” and “inappropriate.”
Mango TV’s Quiet Damage Control
In response to public outrage, Mango TV silently edited out several controversial segments from the show in an attempt to reduce backlash. Still, the move didn’t prevent the network from being called in for official review, nor did it ease the storm of criticism directed at Zhao Lusi.
As public discourse continues to swirl and online suspicion grows, Zhao Lusi has yet to issue any public statement. Many believe that unless she directly addresses the backlash, her public image may continue to suffer, despite her recent brand endorsements.
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