A new wave of controversy has erupted on Chinese social media after posts on Weibo alleged that actress Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao) was somehow connected to the 2016 death of actor-singer Qiao Renliang — a beloved star who passed away at the age of 28 under unclear circumstances.
The claims surfaced on October 5, when several unverified posts accused Zhao Wei of persuading Qiao Renliang to attend a “private gathering” involving powerful entertainment and business figures, where he was allegedly assaulted. These posts — which quickly went viral — included shocking, unproven details about the actor’s death.
As of now, no official investigation or credible media outlet has substantiated any connection between Zhao Wei and Qiao’s passing. Major outlets such as Sohu and Sina have reported on the social media uproar but emphasized that the claims remain online speculation.
Qiao Renliang, a rising actor known for his roles in “Fall in Love with You Again” and “Tiny Times 3”, died in September 2016. His death was officially ruled a suicide linked to depression, but online conspiracy theories have persisted for years, often resurfacing when new celebrity scandals dominate Chinese media.
The latest rumor linking Zhao Wei to the case appears to be part of this ongoing cycle of speculation.
The renewed interest also drew attention to a past TV appearance where Zhao Wei jokingly claimed she had “killed someone” — a line delivered on a variety show years ago that has since been taken out of context. Viewers at the time saw it as a dark joke, but clips from the show have reappeared on Weibo amid the current allegations.
In addition, an old accusation by a woman surnamed Wan Hui — who once claimed Zhao Wei had “threatened” her family — is being recirculated without evidence. These claims were never verified or pursued legally.
Zhao Wei’s fans have mobilized online, calling the accusations “baseless slander” and demanding that Weibo remove defamatory posts. “Even if she’s been blacklisted, this is crossing the line,” one user wrote.
The actress herself has not issued any public statement in response. In the past, Zhao Wei has won defamation lawsuits over similar false rumors — including one alleging her involvement in a human trafficking ring in Thailand and Myanmar.
Since 2021, Zhao Wei has been blacklisted in China without official explanation — her name scrubbed from film databases and streaming platforms. Once one of the most powerful actresses and producers in the Chinese entertainment industry, she is now reportedly facing massive financial troubles, asset freezes, and multiple civil lawsuits.
Chinese outlets have claimed she owes around 14,000 RMB (approx. $2,000 USD) in unpaid debts, a shocking fall from grace for the former “Little Swallow” of My Fair Princess fame.
Sources: Sohu,Sina,Weibo
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