Chinese Actor's Online Erasure Sparks Debate Over Industry-Led Cancel Culture
In August 2021, Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan faced near-total online erasure after old vacation photos taken near Japan's Yasukuni Shrine surfaced. The China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) issued an industry boycott against him, labeling him an 'immoral artist' despite his denial of wrongdoing and lack of criminal charges. This case highlights a form of cancel culture in China driven by industry organizations rather than public sentiment, involving coordinated platform actions and alleged misinformation. The incident drew scrutiny from figures like producer Li Xuezheng, who questioned CAPA's procedures and influence over media. Zhang's online presence remains erased, sparking discussions about procedural fairness and online manipulation in China's entertainment industry.
Key facts
- Actor Zhang Zhehan was effectively erased from Chinese online platforms in August 2021 over photos taken near Japan's Yasukuni Shrine in 2018.
- The China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) led an industry boycott against Zhang, listing him as an 'immoral artist' despite no criminal charges.
- Producer Li Xuezheng publicly challenged CAPA's procedures and influence, noting media coordination and potential policy violations.
Entities
Artists
- Zhang Zhehan
- Jiang Wen
- Kris Wu
- Zheng Shuang
- Zhao Wei
Institutions
- China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA)
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- National Radio and Television Association
- Xinhua News Agency
Locations
- China
- Japan