In the wake of the recent sex scandal involving China basketball legend Yi Jianlian, the Post recalls previous controversies involving mainland celebrities. - Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
BEIJING (SCMP): The retired Chinese basketball legend, Yi Jianlian, has been embroiled in a sex scandal involving the solicitation of a transgender woman, allegedly paying her US$1,500.
The controversy has taken mainland social media by storm and reignited discussions about previous sex scandals involving mainland celebrities.
Yi Jianlian, a 36-year-old father of two married to model Jing Ling, played for the Milwaukee Bucks, the New Jersey Nets, the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks in a glittering career between 2007 and 2012.
The scandal surfaced on October 17 when purported pictures and WeChat messages were exposed, showing Yi engaging with escort services involving a transgender woman in a hotel in China.
The woman involved claims to have had sexual relations with Yi, allegedly receiving US$1,500 for her services. She also shared a naked photo and an identity card, which she claims belong to Yi.
Yi Jianlian has been accused of soliciting the services of a transgender woman escort. - Photo: AFP
The accuser, a controversial figure on mainland social media, has been involved in several previous controversies, including a June 2023 accusation against a Chinese flight attendant for not properly using her pronouns, and another incident where she was detained for inappropriate behaviour at a public bath centre.
However, many netizens online defended the basketball star, with many claiming the images looked as though they had been altered.
In response to the allegations, which Yi has not yet officially addressed, several brands, including China Life Insurance Company, SAIC-GM, and Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group, have distanced themselves by removing his likeness from their advertisements.
The latest controversy has also brought other Chinese male celebrities, previously involved in sex scandals, back into the spotlight.
Kris Wu has been jailed for rape in China and faces deportation on his release from prison. - Photo: AFP
Kris Wu
A rape case involving Kris Wu Yifan, a Chinese-Canadian rapper and singer and one of China’s most influential young celebrities, has emerged as one of the most notorious scandals in recent entertainment history.
Originally from Guangzhou and raised in Canada, Wu first gained fame as a member of the K-pop boy band EXO.
After leaving the group in 2016, he launched a successful solo career in China as a singer and rapper, also establishing himself as a model for luxury brands.
The scandal unfolded in July 2021 when Du Meizhu, a 19-year-old Chinese university student, accused Wu on Weibo of raping her and 30 other women, some of whom were minors.
Wu denied the allegations, but he was formally arrested and charged with rape in August 2021.
In November 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing sentenced Wu to 13 years in prison for rape and “group lewdness”. He is to be deported after serving his sentence.
Actor Li Yifeng was detained in 2022 and accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes. - Photo: AFP
Li Yifeng
Another household name in China, actor Li Yifeng, was detained in September 2022, accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes.
Born in Chengdu in 1987, Li first came to public attention in 2007 after participating in a national TV talent show.
He later portrayed Chinese leader Mao Zedong in The Pioneer, a film released as part of the celebrations for the Chinese Communist Party’s centenary.
As China cracks down on “tainted” and “immoral” celebrities involved in activities like drug use, visiting prostitutes, or other illegal activities, Li has failed to make a comeback.
Li Yundi was forced to rebuild his career overseas after his involvement with a sex worker. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Li Yundi
Renowned pianist Li Yundi was detained by Beijing police in October 2021, along with a 29-year-old woman, on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute.
Li rose to international fame at the age of 18 when he won the prestigious Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000 and became a regular on mainland entertainment TV shows.
Following the scandal, his opportunities in China dwindled, prompting him to shift his career focus to international markets.
In October last year, Li made a successful comeback with a sold-out tour in Australia. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
