The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is currently underway in France, attracting global attention as one of the world’s premier film events. Among the many international celebrities attending, Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi has stirred controversy for what is being described as the most scandalous moment of the festival’s opening days.
On Day 1 of the red carpet, Zhao appeared wearing an extremely sheer and revealing gown a stark contrast to the “elegant and formal” dress code enforced by the Cannes organizers this year.
Making matters worse, Zhao was repeatedly asked to move along by event staff as she lingered for photos, blocking access for other invited guests. Despite multiple prompts, she allegedly ignored all instructions, prompting security personnel to escort her off the red carpet.
The incident quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with many netizens accusing her of damaging the international image of Chinese celebrities. She was further criticized for an earlier stunt where she claimed she had no dress to wear due to a coffee spill an excuse now seen by many as a prelude to an attention-seeking ploy.
Who Is Zhao Yingzi?
Born in 1990, Zhao Yingzi began her career after placing in the top 8 of a local image ambassador contest in Shandong. She gained initial fame in 2007 after appearing in singer Kenji Wu’s music video, and later pursued acting full-time after entering the Central Academy of Drama.
From 2011 to 2018, Zhao starred in over 30 films and dramas, including The Romance of the Condor Heroes, Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre, and The Legend of Zu. Her early success earned her the label “Hunan TV’s darling” due to heavy promotional support.
However, Zhao’s career trajectory shifted from promising actress to infamous provocateur as she became increasingly reliant on controversies for attention.
A Pattern of Publicity Stunts
Zhao’s Cannes 2025 debacle is not an isolated incident. In 2017, she was widely mocked for fainting on the red carpet, a moment many believed was staged. Since then, she has drawn criticism for alleged fake relationship rumors with popular male celebrities such as Lin Gengxin, Cheng Yi, and Hu Yitian.
One of her most controversial claims was during a livestream where she alleged ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo was dating her friend and spending lavishly on gifts a rumor so disruptive that Cha’s agency had to issue a public denial.
Zhao has also been accused of seeking attention by behaving inappropriately with celebrities such as Dou Xiao, and for deliberately mentioning or tagging major stars like Yang Mi, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Charlene Choi in social media posts to ride on their popularity.
Falling From Grace
Due to her continued misconduct and disruptive behavior, Zhao has reportedly been blacklisted by multiple production companies. She no longer receives acting offers and now relies on livestreaming platforms to maintain her public presence.
Growing public frustration has led to widespread calls for official intervention, including demands to ban her from public platforms for spreading false information and disturbing public order.
Once a rising star, Zhao Yingzi is now viewed by many as one of the most controversial and disruptive figures in Chinese entertainment. Her recent removal from the Cannes red carpet marks a new low in her tumultuous career, and the backlash suggests that the public and the industry may have finally run out of patience.
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