Zhao Lusi's Heartfelt Disclosure

The Chinese entertainment industry has been rocked by shocking revelations from actress Zhao Lusi, who recently opened up about her personal struggles on Weibo. In a heartfelt post on January 1, 2024, Zhao disclosed that she was a victim of physical abuse during her career and has been battling depression. The disclosure sent ripples through social media, leaving fans both heartbroken and outraged.

Accompanying Images and Reflection

Accompanying her extensive post were several photographs, including a stark image of a weighing scale revealing that the 26-year-old actress, known for her roles in popular period dramas such as *The Romance Of Tiger And Rose* (2020) and *Love Like The Galaxy* (2022), weighed just 36 kg (approximately 79 lbs) at a height of 1.61 meters (5 feet 3 inches). Zhao recounted painful memories from her school days, sharing how her teachers physically punished her for poor grades.

A Troubling Work Environment

As she grew older and transitioned to the entertainment industry, the abuse did not cease. Zhao implied that someone from her workplace—a female supervisor—was responsible for her physical and emotional torment. “When I got older, I thought it was my fault for not succeeding in auditions. I felt powerless and just wanted to escape," she expressed.

Breaking Free and Facing Barriers

Her courageous journey to reclaim her life began when her talent gained public recognition, allowing her to sever ties with her abuser; however, this came at a cost. She revealed that the abuser demanded a hefty "break-up sum" and spread damaging rumors that tarnished her professional reputation.

Mental Health Struggles

In her candid post, Zhao revealed that she has been grappling with depression since 2019 and started seeking psychological assistance in 2021 when her mental health began to deteriorate physically. Her health has faced several setbacks, including pneumonia and hearing loss, compounded by personal tragedies resulting in the loss of loved ones. As of 2024, she reported experiencing frequent bouts of nausea, dizziness, and joint pain.

Resonating with Followers

Zhao's vulnerability resonated deeply with followers. "It's absurd that I feel the need to showcase my scars to prove I’m not just oversensitive or ungrateful," she added, highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Recent Health Concerns

This revelation follows a concerning period for Zhao, during which fans noted her confinement to a wheelchair in December 2023. Her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, confirmed on December 27 that she had been hospitalized on December 18 but offered no details about her condition, prompting widespread concern among fans.

Support from Friends and Co-Stars

Her friend and co-star, Wei Xiao, shared snapshots of Zhao in a wheelchair on social media, revealing that there was a time when she lost her ability to speak; thankfully, she is now on the mend thanks to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Community Outrage and Investigation

The unfolding drama triggered a fierce investigation among internet users trying to identify Zhao's abuser. Former agency founder Li Wei vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that he had never harmed Zhao. Moreover, Galaxy Cool Entertainment defended its record, insisting that the well-being of its talent has always been paramount.

Responses from Industry Peers

Notably, producer Yu Zheng also weighed in on the matter, claiming he was being targeted by Zhao's supporters amidst the controversy. In a perplexing Weibo post, he questioned why he was being implicated in the scandal, expressing his previous support for Zhao during her rise to fame.

Legal Challenges

The situation became even more complicated with the involvement of Zhao's former manager, Xu Yiruo, whose legal team challenged the veracity of claims alleging abuse and unethical contract termination practices. Xu's lawyer stated that false information is being circulated, hinting at potential legal repercussions for those spreading such stories.

Call for Dialogue and Support

As this heart-wrenching saga unfolds, it shines a light on the dark realities many face in the glitzy but often perilous world of showbiz. Fans and advocates alike are rallying for Zhao, urging more dialogue about mental health and abuse within the entertainment industry, while hoping for her swift recovery and restoration of peace in her life.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as more details continue to emerge!