Chinese actress Angelababy's career faces alleged decline

By Linh Le July 3, 2024 | 11:20 pm PT

Actress Angelababy’s face in a television show she appeared in was blurred, and she has resorted to livestreaming to sell products, which is seen as a step down from her former A-list status.

Chinese actress Angelababy. Photo from Angelababy's studio's Weibo

Citing Sinchew, Znews reported that the actress conducted a livestream to sell products for Red Dragonfly, a footwear brand she endorses, on June 29. This move led to mockery and criticism, with some suggesting she is demeaning herself, while others feel she has lost her star status and is on the decline.

Moreover, Angelababy collaborated with Xinba, known as the "Livestream King" in China, during the livestream session. Xinba has been boycotted for flaunting his wealth and fined for selling counterfeit bird’s nest products. This collaboration is thus viewed by many as a poor decision by Angelababy.

Some viewers noted that filters used during the livestream made Angelababy’s face appear rigid, with her eyes and lips looking unnatural.

Recently, Chinese broadcaster Zhejiang TV re-aired episodes of the show "Keep Running" featuring Angelababy, but her face was blurred out while other cast members were shown normally.

Additionally, the TV series "Everlasting Longing" starring her has completed filming but was absent from a recent promotional event by its producer, Tencent Video. These indicators suggest that the actress may face difficulties in making a comeback in the show industry.

Angelababy faced a ban on posting to her Weibo account from November last year to January this year for "violations of laws and platform regulations," allegedly due to her participation in Blackpink Lisa’s striptease performance in Paris.

Users also could not follow her account on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

In China, strip dance is categorized as a "sexually related activity," and those in the entertainment industry are prohibited from organizing, attending, or promoting such activities, as per the nation’s laws.

Born Yang Ying, Angelababy is a 35-year-old actress, model, businesswoman, investor, and singer. She began her career in the entertainment industry in 2007 and has emerged as one of China’s prominent actresses.

Her Weibo account boasts over 105 million followers, making her one of the most-followed celebrities in China.