Zhao Lusi opens up about the dark side behind her fame

Chinese actress Zhao Lusi. Photo from Zhao's Weibo

Accoding to Sina, Zhao, who has not appeared in any film or television projects over the past eight months, shared on social media that she longs for a peaceful life with fewer pressures. She noted that she still has two years remaining on her management contract and would face lawsuits and significant compensation if she were to terminate it unilaterally.

The actress also spoke about the "suffocating" pressures of the entertainment industry. Before 2019, when she was not yet widely known, Zhao attended numerous auditions but was repeatedly rejected by directors and producers. During this period, she endured contempt from her management company, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, and its staff.

In one incident, after failing an audition, Zhao said she was scolded and humiliated in a restroom for three hours. She was criticized as "useless" and "too fat," and pressured to lose weight to meet market standards. When she attempted to leave around 4 p.m., a staff member reportedly grabbed her hair and slapped her. At the time, Zhao, inexperienced and eager to work, remained silent. The company later attributed the assault to the person being "drunk" and did not take disciplinary action.

Following the incident, Zhao became withdrawn, afraid to speak out. From 2019 onward, her career soared, and she became an A-list actress, starring as the female lead in several hit dramas, earning nicknames such as "goddess of youth" and "costume drama doll."

Despite her success, Zhao has struggled with nightmares, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, and dissociative disorders—a mental health condition affecting her thoughts, emotions, and sense of reality.

At the end of 2024, while filming the drama "Almost Lover," Zhao was hospitalized due to physical and mental exhaustion. At the time, her company said it remained committed to working with Zhao and resolving difficulties. A representative stated: "We sincerely apologize for our shortcomings in management and are reviewing this matter."

However, Zhao claims that Galaxy Cool Entertainment has since "blacklisted" her, hindering her career development.

Regarding accusations of mistreatment, Galaxy Cool Entertainment added that it has fulfilled its responsibilities as a talent management company and has not acted unlawfully or violated contracts, suggesting Zhao negotiate to resolve any disputes.

On social media, millions of fans have voiced support for Zhao, urging her to protect her rights legally. Some critics, however, have suggested that her approach could risk her public image and career.

Zhao, 28, began her acting career in 2017 and rose to prominence with lead roles in popular dramas such as "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," "Dating in the Kitchen," "Love Better Than Immortality," "Love Like the Galaxy," and "Hidden Love."