BEIJING (SCMP): Concerns have been voiced amid reports – which have been denied – that Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, also known as Rosy Zhao, was verbally and physically abused by her agency for failing to secure roles.
Born in 1998 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, southwestern China, Zhao gained national stardom in 2020 for her role in The Romance of Tiger and Rose and was dubbed the “Top Follower Born after 1995.”
She boasts nearly 30 million followers on one major social media platform.
On Dec 27, Zhao was reportedly hospitalised after suddenly falling ill, sparking heated discussions online.
Her social media account was temporarily locked, and photos surfaced showing her frail and skinny in a wheelchair.
Subsequent video clips revealed her walking unsteadily and even struggling to hold a spoon.
The revelations fuelled public speculation about her being hospitalised for aphasia, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and use language.
On Dec 31, a person claiming to be a close friend of Zhao shared shocking revelations about Zhao’s alleged abuse by her agent, all purportedly with Zhao’s consent.
Her friend said: “In April 2019, Zhao was in Beijing auditioning for roles. At that time, she stayed at my place as she had not rented her own flat.
“One night, I came home to find her curled up in the living room. When I asked what happened, she told me she had been reprimanded for hours in a restroom at 2am by her company’s boss.”
The boss allegedly criticised Zhao for failing auditions, saying she was not talented enough to land leading roles, and blamed her for “being fat.”
“After scolding her, the boss even hit her,” which Zhao described as “terrifying”, the friend claimed.
While “the boss later apologised, blaming the incident on being drunk,” Zhao, bound by her contract, could not retaliate and the boss later complained to her mother about her “disobedience.”
On Jan 1, Zhao unlocked her social media account to share a heartfelt statement acknowledging the abuse and her battle with depression.
“Since childhood, I have been called useless and labelled a ‘pretty vase.’ I was once beaten by a teacher during after-school tutoring,” said Zhao.
“I thought I deserved it because I struggled academically. When I grew up, I was beaten again. Back then, I thought failing auditions was my fault, so I kept quiet and just wanted to escape.
“I have never mentioned this illness before. I do not want to turn being sick into what is now called ‘hype’,” she added.
Following the allegations, Li Wei, the former CEO of Tianjin Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co Ltd, Zhao’s agency, denied ever abusing her in a restroom and released a statement.
He insisted that their relationship had always been supportive, and even shared screenshots of previous interactions to demonstrate their amicable relationship.
Mainland social media was flooded with words of encouragement for Zhao.
One viewer said: “Get well soon, Rosy. Eat more, do not listen to others, be yourself, and keep going.”
“I love this young sister’s shows. She is earnest and hardworking, bright and lovely. I hope she gets well soon. Keep it up!” said another. - South China Morning Post
