Known as a “pure beauty” in China’s short web drama scene, Zuo Yi built her reputation on a gentle and innocent image. However, just as her career was gaining momentum and she was on the verge of transitioning into mainstream productions, a major controversy erupted late last year, destroying her reputation overnight.

On Christmas Day 2025, her former assistant sent shockwaves through the Chinese entertainment industry by releasing a lengthy audio recording exposing the actress’s alleged true personality. The recording reportedly captured Zuo Yi hurling harsh verbal abuse at the assistant, along with sounds of objects being smashed and the terrified screams of a woman seemingly being physically assaulted.

Shortly after, the former assistant came forward to recount the full story behind the recording. According to her, she began working for Zuo Yi on September 10, 2025, and even moved in with the actress. Despite the demanding workload, long hours, and Zuo Yi’s unpredictable personality, she endured the situation in order to fulfill her duties. However, the actress allegedly became increasingly demanding, making unreasonable requests and placing constant pressure on her.

The situation escalated on September 24, 2025, when the assistant, unable to tolerate the treatment any longer, decided to quit and requested payment for eight days of work. Instead of resolving the matter peacefully, Zuo Yi allegedly became furious, verbally attacking her and refusing to pay.

The conflict reportedly turned violent, with the actress losing control and repeatedly striking the assistant with objects, causing injuries. The assistant secretly recorded the incident as evidence. Police were later dispatched to the scene after residents reported a loud disturbance in the apartment complex.

After the incident was exposed, Zuo Yi issued a public apology, admitting to acts of violence against her former assistant. She stated that she had paid a total of 5,619 yuan (approximately 800 USD) covering wages, compensation, and medical expenses. She also released a police report to support her claims. “I apologize for resorting to violence. Sometimes I become too immersed in my roles and fail to regulate my emotions,” she explained.

However, her apology only intensified public criticism. Many accused her of having a severe “celebrity attitude” and lacking respect for staff. According to the police findings, Zuo Yi was the initial aggressor. Critics also pointed out that her apology appeared to deflect responsibility by blaming her acting roles, further damaging her image. As a result, her once “pure” reputation collapsed almost instantly, with many netizens calling for a boycott.

Additional reports claimed that Zuo Yi has a volatile temper, allegedly reacting explosively even to minor inconveniences. One rumor suggested that she once slapped actor Chen Gang twice during their relationship simply because he woke her up for a scheduled shoot.

As a result, her name is now widely associated with the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Following the scandal, producers have distanced themselves from her, and she was recently removed from the project Bu Rang Jiang Shan.

Zuo Yi, whose real name is Chen Xiaoqing, was born in 1998 and gained recognition through projects such as You Wu, Gentlemen I’m in Your Care, and Mermaid Husband.

Sources: K14