LayarHijau—On December 7, 2024, Zhao Liying trended on Weibo. However, this time it wasn’t due to her latest drama or stunning red carpet appearance, but rather a direct conflict with her fans.
Zhao Liying is known for her gentle and charming image, as well as her widely recognized acting skills. Whenever she appears, cheers and praises flow from her fans.
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| Photos that Zhao Liying posted on Weibo |
However, the actress's appearance in Singapore led to a conflict between her and a group of fans in China.
Appearance in Singapore
As reported by Sohu, Zhao Liying attended a film festival in Singapore. Unfortunately, the photos posted by her studio did not meet the expectations of some fans in China. Many fans expressed disappointment with her appearance, criticizing everything from a hairstyle they felt made her head look larger, to outfits they deemed outdated, and makeup they found unflattering.
Disappointed with their idol's appearance, fans flocked to Zhao Liying's studio account to voice their dissatisfaction. They demanded that the responsible staff be replaced, accusing them of failing to assist and "disappointing Ying Bao."
Zhao Liying's Response
Netizens in China questioned this dissatisfaction among some fans, noting that international fans and the general public did not seem to have an issue with the actress's appearance.
In response to these complaints and protests, Zhao Liying posted several photos with the caption, "Very happy to meet some friends in Singapore. Thank you for your support. I think today was fun. No more nonsense, good night."
This post triggered negative reactions from the protesting fans, who noted that the IP address of the post was registered in Beijing. They speculated that it was likely made by staff to clean up their image.
It seemed Zhao Liying was annoyed by these speculations and clarified in the comments section that she was the one who posted the photos, urging fans to stop complaining.
The protesting fans grew increasingly dissatisfied and expressed their disappointment regarding Zhao Liying’s response to their complaints.
Fans' Reactions
Some fans who felt hurt even threatened to stop supporting her. They expressed their heartbreak and disappointment on social media, seemingly wanting to make it clear that they no longer supported Zhao Liying.
Some netizens and other Zhao Liying's fans in China felt that the protesting fans' attitudes were excessive. There were suspicions that this group might not be genuine fans but were instead pretending to be and deliberately causing trouble.
Meanwhile, others defended Zhao Liying, stating that her long-time fans know her to be straightforward and strong-willed.
Some fans considered Zhao Liying's response as an action to cleanse her fanbase of fake supporters. As a result, those "fake fans" decided not to support her anymore, benefiting the loyal and long-time fans instead.
At the same time, netizens in China criticized the behavior of these protesting fans for seemingly trying to control their idol. Their attitude suggested they felt entitled to dictate how a star should present themselves.
In this situation, Zhao Liying demonstrated sincerity and honesty that many celebrities lack. Instead of pretending or avoiding the issue, she chose to engage directly with her fans. While this action may have seemed impulsive, it showcased her strong character.
Ultimately, true fans want to see their idols grow, while fake fans only create chaos. Through all this controversy, Zhao Liying remains a brave and authentic figure, worthy of admiration in the entertainment industry.