Zhang Jiani returns to social media after year-long ban over watching Blackpink Lisa's striptease performance

According to Sinchew, as of Nov. 1, Zhang's Weibo and Douyin profiles no longer display the message indicating she was banned for "violating the law and platform rules." Her accounts, with millions of followers, had been inactive during the suspension.

The news of her social media reinstatement quickly became a trending topic on Weibo, sparking conversations among fans eager to see her resume her acting career, especially with her upcoming film "Heroic Aspiration."

However, some remain uncertain about her future in the entertainment industry. Actress Angelababy, who also faced a social media ban after attending Lisa's performance at Paris's Crazy Horse club in September 2023, was previously reinstated but has not reappeared in brand events or TV roles. According to On, she is considering different career paths.

Chinese actress Zhang Jiani. Photo courtesy of Zhang's Weibo

Both Zhang and Angelababy faced restrictions following their attendance at Lisa’s show, which sparked controversy in China. Zhang's ban was extended to one year after she publicly posted photos from the event, while Angelababy received a three-month restriction for keeping her attendance private. Lisa's Chinese social media account was also deleted amid the backlash.

Zhang’s photos from the performance led to widespread criticism, with many Chinese netizens disapproving of her perceived disregard for public sentiment. The performance was condemned by Chinese citizens, especially for its suitability for minors.

Entertainment bloggers noted that both Zhang and Angelababy broke industry rules, which restrict celebrities from attending or promoting performances considered sexually explicit. In China, burlesque is classified as an "indecent performance."

Zhang’s agency has not issued a statement on the suspension, with a representative saying, "We do not know the details and have no plans to investigate or appeal."

Zhang, 37, is celebrated for roles in "The Dream of Red Mansions", "New My Fair Princess", "The Palace: The Locked Bead", and "Loyal Yue Fei". Her portrayal in "Story of Yanxi Palace" in 2018 received widespread praise. She has been married to businessman Mai Chao for eight years, and the couple has two sons, aged eight and six.