Spring Festival Gala Controversy: Actor White Keqin's On-Stage Behavior Sparks Debate

The controversy began when White Keqin was featured in a segment of the Spring Festival Gala, a televised event that is one of China's most-watched programs, with over a billion viewers tuning in to watch. During the sketch, White Keqin appeared on stage with fellow actors and actresses, including Han Shaodong, Qi Wei, and Zhang Guoqing. The actors were involved in a playful scene that involved them pushing each other. However, as the scene unfolded, White Keqin seemed to push Zhang Guoqing towards co-star Zheng Heying, causing Zhang to appear uncomfortable.

The incident was captured on camera and later shared on social media, sparking a heated discussion among Chinese viewers. Many Weibo users criticized White Keqin for his behavior, accusing him of trying to push Zhang Guoqing towards Zheng Heying to create a romantic narrative between the pair. Some even went as far as to suggest that White Keqin's actions were intentional and not a simple mistake.

In response to the criticism, White Keqin took to social media to address the controversy, explaining that he had simply been "caught up in the moment" and that he did not intend to make Zhang Guoqing feel uncomfortable. "I did not mean to cause any harm to my co-star, and I deeply apologize if my actions have offended anyone," he wrote in a post on Weibo.

Despite White Keqin's apology, the controversy continued to swirl on social media, with many netizens continuing to debate the actor's actions. Some users accused White Keqin of attempting to sabotage Zhang Guoqing's career, suggesting that he was attempting to create a scandal in order to boost his own profile. Others came to White Keqin's defense, arguing that the actor had simply made a mistake and that the criticism was overblown.

The incident has also raised questions about the culture of professionalism in the Chinese entertainment industry. Many Weibo users have expressed disappointment in White Keqin's behavior, noting that the Spring Festival Gala is a high-profile event that requires actors to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. "The Spring Festival Gala is a national event, and the actors who participate in it must act with the utmost professionalism," wrote one user. "White Keqin's behavior was unprofessional and unbecoming of a public figure."

In the wake of the controversy, White Keqin has largely remained silent on social media, preferring to let the storm blow over. However, the incident has left many viewers and industry insiders questioning the actor's future prospects in the entertainment industry, and wondering whether the controversy will have a lasting impact on his career.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Spring Festival Gala remains one of China's most-watched and beloved television events. The 2023 edition of the program featured performances from some of China's biggest stars, including Wang Yibo, Jackson Yee, and Li Ronghao. While the White Keqin controversy has undoubtedly taken center stage in recent weeks, the talent and creativity on display during the Gala have not been overshadowed, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive response from viewers across the country.

As the controversy surrounding White Keqin continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the actor will respond to the criticism and whether his career will be affected in the long term. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism and decorum in the entertainment industry, and of the power of social media to amplify and shape public discourse.