Chinese Actor Yu Shi Sues Netizen for $28,000 Over Online Harassment and Defamation
In a recent development, Chinese actor Yu Shi has filed a lawsuit against a netizen known as "Disco雨" (Disco Yu) for online infringement, seeking compensation of 200,000 yuan (approximately $28,000 USD) for damages to his reputation and mental well-being. The lawsuit, announced on March 4, is set to be heard by the Dalian Municipal Intermediate People's Court in Liaoning Province on May 20, 2025. Yu Shi's legal team has requested that the defendant delete all online content related to Yu Shi and cease any further actions that infringe on his rights to reputation and likeness, in addition to demanding a formal apology to be posted on the "Disco雨" social media account for at least 30 days.
5 March 2025
The situation faced by Yu Shi, where he has been subject to baseless rumors, exemplifies the challenges individuals face in protecting their digital reputation and seeking justice in the face of online harassment. His management company had previously stated that "Disco雨" had been monitoring Yu Shi's online activities and spreading false information, leading to long-term misunderstanding and cyberbullying that has caused significant harm to Yu Shi's physical and mental health. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, highlighting the ongoing issues of online harassment and celebrity rights in China.
The support for Yu Shi's legal stance, with many advocating for the need to combat online harassment, indicates a growing public awareness of the need to confront and combat online violence and rumor-mongering. This sentiment underscores the expectation that the same legal standards and protections applicable in the physical world should be upheld in the digital realm. The incident also highlights the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and responsible social media use in mitigating the spread of false information and promoting a healthier online environment.
As Yu Shi seeks compensation and an apology from Disco, the broader community is rallying behind the principle that individuals' rights to their reputation and likeness must be respected and protected. This movement reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of protections against online harassment and intellectual theft, with many calling for legal reforms to prevent future injustices. The outcome of this case may serve as a bellwether for how societal and legal norms evolve to address the challenges posed by online harassment and misinformation in China.
