Chinese Celebrity Zhao Lusi's Public Feud with Management Company Sparks Conversation on Mental Health and Industry Pressures
Rosy Zhao, a Chinese celebrity known professionally as Zhao Lusi, has become the center of public attention due to recent revelations about her personal struggles, including details about an alleged confinement by her management company for an exorcism, believing she was "bewitched" during a period of illness. This unusual claim, combined with her candid statements about career comeback anxieties, ongoing legal disputes with her company, and her mental health, has garnered significant public discussion and sympathy.
5 August 2025
The saga began in December 2024 when netizens questioned Zhao Lusi's management company, Yinhe Kuyu Media, on Weibo about over-scheduling her work. The company responded on January 1, 2025, stating that Zhao Lusi's health was their priority and apologized for any inconvenience. However, the situation escalated on August 2, 2025, when Zhao Lusi posted a lengthy message on Weibo accusing Yinhe Kuyu Media of emotional manipulation and neglect after she was hospitalized due to illness. She attached a report showing she suffered from severe anxiety and depression.
Zhao Lusi's bold move to confront her company publicly was quickly met with a response from Yinhe Kuyu Media, denying any illegal behavior or breach of contract. Despite this, Zhao Lusi seemed to gain the upper hand in public opinion when she held a live broadcast on August 3, 2025, which gathered over 100,000 viewers. She disabled the gifting function and reassured fans not to worry, further solidifying public sympathy for her plight.
Social media sentiment heavily leans towards supporting Zhao Lusi, with many viewing her as a victim of her company's actions and appreciating her direct, "hardcore" approach to handling the dispute. Her revelations about struggling with anxiety and depression have also sparked broader discussions about the mental health of celebrities, drawing attention to the pressures of fame.
Speculation about the dispute has led to scrutiny of Zhao Lusi's past controversies and character, including seemingly insensitive reactions to certain situations. However, the public focus remains on her current situation and the perceived bravery in standing up for herself against her agency, despite the personal and professional costs.
Key figures and entities tied to Zhao Lusi's situation include Yinhe Kuyu Media, explicitly named by her in posts suggesting a professional and now contentious relationship. Collaborations with prominent actor Yang Yang on dramas such as "Who Rules The World" indicate professional ties beyond her management company. Although not directly mentioned, Tencent, a major investor and producer in Chinese entertainment, is likely a significant entity in her career given its dominance in the industry.
The public's reaction to Zhao Lusi's situation underscores the complexities and challenges faced by celebrities in managing their careers, personal well-being, and public image. As discussions around mental health, agency practices, and celebrity rights continue, Zhao Lusi's case serves as a poignant reminder of the need for support and understanding for those in the spotlight.