China Bans “Morally Corrupt” Celebrities
China’s broadcasting regulator has announced bans on artistes involved in drugs, prostitution, tax evasion or “political missteps”, as well as tougher rules on salaries.
China has intensified its campaign against so-called “morally corrupt” celebrities, reiterating a ban on the use of individuals deemed illegal or immoral.
At a press conference, the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) announced that artistes involved in drug use, tax evasion, prostitution, and those with “problematic political stances” will be barred from the entertainment industry.
Attempts at a comeback, it stressed, will face firm resistance.
According to Chinese media reports, NRTA Deputy Director Han Dong said that the Regulations on the Administration of TV Dramas will be revised.
He outlined the “three resolutes”: resolutely preventing excessive entertainment, resolutely curbing exorbitant salaries, and resolutely resisting illegal and immoral individuals.
The agency identified three categories of blacklisted stars: Those engaged in illegal acts such as drug use, prostitution, and tax evasion, those who violate public order and good morals, and those with “incorrect political positions”.
In addition, stricter rules on actor remuneration will be enforced.
Total pay for actors must not exceed 40 per cent of a production’s budget, and lead actors’ salaries capped at 70 per cent of the total cast pay. The move is aimed at creating a healthier film and television industry environment.
Several artistes have already felt the sting of the crackdown.
Hong Kong singer Wiliam So’s Wenzhou concert was cancelled after a 23-year-old drug scandal resurfaced.
Chinese actor Li Yifeng, embroiled in a prostitution scandal in 2022, not only saw his performances suspended but was also reportedly ordered to pay nearly 50 million yuan (S$9.06 million) in compensation for cancelled overseas appearances.
Despite the tough measures, the policy has sparked heated debate.
Many netizens argue that the definition of “immoral behaviour” remains vague and inconsistently applied.
They point to past scandals involving major stars: in 2007, actor Zhang Han dragged a traffic police officer with his car when stopped for a driving violation, and in 2002, Nicholas Tse was involved in a car accident cover-up. Yet both remain active in showbiz.
Such inconsistencies highlight the need for clearer and more transparent regulations to ensure the crackdown is applied fairly across the industry.
Photos: William So/Facebook, Weibo
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