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Yating Yang

The retired Chinese basketball legend, Yi Jianlian, has been embroiled in a sex scandal involving the solicitation of a transgender woman, allegedly paying her US$1,500.
The controversy has taken mainland social media by storm and reignited discussions about previous sex scandals involving mainland celebrities.
Yi Jianlian, a 36-year-old father of two married to model Jing Ling, played for the Milwaukee Bucks, the New Jersey Nets, the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks in a glittering career between 2007 and 2012.
The scandal surfaced on October 17 when purported pictures and WeChat messages were exposed, showing Yi engaging with escort services involving a transgender woman in a hotel in China.

The woman involved claims to have had sexual relations with Yi, allegedly receiving US$1,500 for her services. She also shared a naked photo and an identity card, which she claims belong to Yi.
The accuser, a controversial figure on mainland social media, has been involved in several previous controversies, including a June 2023 accusation against a Chinese flight attendant for not properly using her pronouns, and another incident where she was detained for inappropriate behaviour at a public bath centre.
However, many netizens online defended the basketball star, with many claiming the images looked as though they had been altered.
In response to the allegations, which Yi has not yet officially addressed, several brands, including China Life Insurance Company, SAIC-GM, and Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group, have distanced themselves by removing his likeness from their advertisements.
The latest controversy has also brought other Chinese male celebrities, previously involved in sex scandals, back into the spotlight.
Kris Wu
A rape case involving Kris Wu Yifan, a Chinese-Canadian rapper and singer and one of China’s most influential young celebrities, has emerged as one of the most notorious scandals in recent entertainment history.

Originally from Guangzhou and raised in Canada, Wu first gained fame as a member of the K-pop boy band EXO.
After leaving the group in 2016, he launched a successful solo career in China as a singer and rapper, also establishing himself as a model for luxury brands.
The scandal unfolded in July 2021 when Du Meizhu, a 19-year-old Chinese university student, accused Wu on Weibo of raping her and 30 other women, some of whom were minors.
Wu denied the allegations, but he was formally arrested and charged with rape in August 2021.
In November 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing sentenced Wu to 13 years in prison for rape and “group lewdness”. He is to be deported after serving his sentence.
Li Yifeng

Another household name in China, actor Li Yifeng, was detained in September 2022, accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes.
Born in Chengdu in 1987, Li first came to public attention in 2007 after participating in a national TV talent show.
He later portrayed Chinese leader Mao Zedong in The Pioneer, a film released as part of the celebrations for the Chinese Communist Party’s centenary.
As China cracks down on “tainted” and “immoral” celebrities involved in activities like drug use, visiting prostitutes, or other illegal activities, Li has failed to make a comeback.
Li Yundi

Renowned pianist Li Yundi was detained by Beijing police in October 2021, along with a 29-year-old woman, on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute.
Li rose to international fame at the age of 18 when he won the prestigious Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000 and became a regular on mainland entertainment TV shows.
Following the scandal, his opportunities in China dwindled, prompting him to shift his career focus to international markets.
In October last year, Li made a successful comeback with a sold-out tour in Australia.


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Disgraced China basketball legend brings attention to other mainland stars’ sex scandals

In the wake of the recent sex scandal involving China basketball legend Yi Jianlian, the Post recalls previous controversies involving mainland celebrities. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

Yi Jianlian has been accused of soliciting the services of a transgender woman escort. Photo: AFP 

Kris Wu has been jailed for rape in China and faces deportation on his release from prison. Photo: AFP

Actor Li Yifeng was detained in 2022 and accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes. Photo: AFP

Li Yundi was forced to rebuild his career overseas after his involvement with a sex worker. Photo: Jonathan Wong 

China table tennis wonder boy wows social media with stunning skills, tipped as future champion

A three-year-old table tennis prodigy in China is captivating social media with his impressive skills. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

In the video, the boy joyfully plays table tennis with his family on the coffee table, enchanting many online with his impressive skills and laid-back demeanour. Photo: Weibo

Many observers online praised the little boy for his skills reminiscent of China’s table tennis champion, Fan Zhendong, above. Photo: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

China public figures, celebrities whose philanthropy makes significant impact

The Post takes a look at public figures and celebrities in China who make a difference through their charitable work. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

Louis Koo has funded schools, clinics, and a water conservancy project in China. Photo: AFP

Singer Han Hong’s charitable work has helped more than 200 mainland orphans. Photo: Baidu

Yao Chen is renowned for her work with refugees and impoverished children. Photo: World Economic Forum

Cai Lei funds medical research into a condition he suffers from himself. Photo: QQ.com

China’s 35 million ‘leftover men’ spark foreign brides idea to tackle gender imbalance

A controversial suggestion to “import” women from overseas to ease the problems of China’s 35 million so-called leftover men has sparked a fierce online debate. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

The gender gap problem is particularly acute in rural parts of China. Photo: Shutterstock

Attitudes towards love and marriage have changed in China in recent years. Photo: Shutterstock

An academic has suggested importing foreign women to address the male marriage problem in China. Photo: Shutterstock 

Chinese ‘lady killer’ gains 1 million fans in a month after sharing life as kept man in Japan

A Chinese man who admits to being a kept man is praised for his understanding and supportive nature towards his partner. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

At first, he hesitated to pursue a romantic relationship with her because of his financial difficulties. Photo: Baidu

To help manage his daily expenses, his wife has set up a jar with 260,000 yen (US$1,740). Photo: Baidu

He keeps his wife company while she does chores and occasionally helps with simple tasks. Photo: Baidu

Why resetting social relationships to remove distant contacts is gaining momentum in China

Some individuals, fatigued by maintaining extensive social networks, have chosen to delete distant contacts and their social media accounts. 
Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

Dr Paul Wong at the University of Hong Kong notes that many young people are deleting contacts and social media accounts as a means to forge a “new identity”. Photo: Shutterstock

The shift in attitude reflects a desire for authenticity and self-reinvention in a digital age where online presence can feel overwhelming. Photo: Shutterstock

There are numerous ways to digitally detox and disengage from excessive use of electronic devices such as setting screen time limits. Photo: FamilyTime

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People & Culture

China Personalities

From rape charges to repeated use of prostitutes, several celebrities in China have ruined careers by going off the rails


From rape charges to repeated use of prostitutes, several celebrities in China have ruined careers by going off the rails.


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Crime in China