In recent news, one of China’s largest social media platforms, Weibo, has taken a drastic step by shutting down the accounts of two high-profile celebrities: K-pop superstar Blackpink’s Lisa and Chinese actress Angelababy (Angela Yeung), according to CNA Lifestyle.
Weibo’s Ban on K-pop Superstar and Chinese Actress
The abrupt bans came without any official explanation, leading to widespread speculation on social media. While Weibo has not clarified the reasons behind this drastic action, netizens and fans have been quick to offer their theories.
One particular incident that caught public attention was Angelababy and actress Zhang Jiani’s visit to a show by Lisa at Crazy Horse Paris, a burlesque club known for its risqué performances and scantily clad dancers.
President Xi Jinping’s Crackdown on Celebrity Fan Culture
This incident at Crazy Horse Paris comes at a time when President Xi Jinping’s government has intensified its efforts to clamp down on what it deems “inappropriate” behavior in the entertainment industry. In 2021, President Xi ordered sweeping action to clean up the entertainment sector, issuing strict directives for regulators.
The actions taken in 2021 aimed to cleanse the entertainment industry in multiple ways. Regulators began targeting film stars whose political affiliations did not align with the government’s ideologies. They also implemented salary caps, seeking to bring some financial discipline to the industry. However, one of the most significant aspects of this campaign was the crackdown on celebrity fan culture.
Authorities frequently denounced content they considered “vulgar and obscene,” reinforcing their commitment to moral standards in the entertainment world. In addition to these measures, the Chinese government has also addressed concerns related to after-school tutoring and online gaming, part of a broader effort to shape the younger generation into motivated, patriotic, and productive citizens.
Consequences for Angelababy and Zhang
The consequences for Angelababy and Zhang Jiani have been swift and severe. Weibo’s statement cites “violation of relevant laws and regulations” as the reason behind the ban. This not only affects their Weibo accounts but also extends to their presence on Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok.
In the case of Lisa, her Weibo account appears to have been entirely taken down, erasing her online footprint from one of the most influential social media platforms in China.
Amid all the controversy, both Angelababy and Zhang Jiani, as well as Lisa, have maintained their silence on the matter. Despite numerous photographs posted by fans showing the two actresses at Crazy Horse, there has been no official statement from them. In contrast, the Crazy Horse club took to Instagram to clarify that Angelababy did not attend the event.
Recap
Crazy Horse Paris is globally recognized for its stage shows, featuring female dancers wearing absolutely nothing at all, as well as captivating magic performances during intervals.
The venue had been buzzing with anticipation as they announced Lisa’s participation, promising a unique blend of her personal touch with the club’s iconic performances.
Took off her clothes and ended up in her underwear
While Crazy Horse Cabaret has strict rules against photography and videography during performances, a leaked photo made its way onto social media, offering fans a glimpse of Lisa’s presence.
In the photo, the 26-year-old star was seen posing with fellow dancers, all dressed in their scantily-clad and striking outfits.
Notably, Lisa’s attire stood out from the crowd. While most dancers were topless with arms covering their chests, Lisa opted for a more conservative look, wearing a black top.
Lisa’s first of five exclusive performances at Crazy Horse Paris took place on September 28th, setting the stage on fire. Netizens and fans flooded social media platforms, expressing their excitement and admiration for her captivating performance.
One fan couldn’t contain their enthusiasm, exclaiming, “Lisa took off her white shirt and black skirt, and ended up in her black underwear,” leaving no doubt that Lisa’s presence was electrifying.
Another fan tweeted that Lisa threw a piece of her clothes at her as part of the performance.
The Hype Leading Up to the Performance
The buzz around Lisa’s secretive performance began earlier in the week when she shared a series of sensual photos and videos on Instagram, showcasing her stunning figure.
Speculations were rife about whether these posts were a teaser for her Crazy Horse performance, while some believed they were from Blackpink’s Coachella set in April.
Adding to the excitement, fellow Blackpink members Rose and Jisoo were spotted at Lisa’s debut performance.
BLACKPINK's Lisa at Crazy Horse Paris. pic.twitter.com/jnV6Yu1dWh
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 28, 2023
the one where lisa took off her white shirt and black skirt… and ended up in black underwear. that’s it. THAT’S THE TWEET.
— ℒ☾ (@selalalisas) September 28, 2023
LISA THREW THIS AT ME OH MY GOD IM DONE DONE #LISAxCRAZYHORSE pic.twitter.com/zHmbz1jC1V
— ejp (@angelfordelena) September 28, 2023