Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, one of the nation’s most popular young stars, is now at the center of a major entertainment scandal.
Her ongoing dispute with former agency YinheKuyu Media (also known as Galaxy Cool Entertainment or KU Media) has revealed horrifying allegations. These include financial exploitation, emotional and physical abuse, neglect of mental health, and systemic problems in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Zhao Lusi’s Rise to Fame and Her Ties to Galaxy Cool Entertainment
Born in 1998, Zhao Lusi debuted in 2016 through the variety show Mars Intelligence Agency Season 2 as a co-host. She later starred in hit dramas like The Romance of Tiger and Rose, Love Like the Galaxy, and Hidden Love.
Her growing popularity made her one of Galaxy Cool Entertainment’s most valuable assets, reportedly generating nearly 80% of the agency’s revenue.
Galaxy Cool Entertainment, founded in 2015, initially focused on online variety shows before moving into drama production. They leveraged Zhao’s stardom and ventured into the drama industry.
Tensions between Zhao and her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, reportedly grew over time. The company is accused of chasing profit at the expense of her career development. Zhao was allegedly pushed into weaker projects like Please Feel at Ease Mr. Ling, which drew criticism for its poor script. She also claimed her role in making career decisions was limited.
Health Crisis During Filming of ‘Almost Lover’ (December 2024)
The controversy became public in December 2024 when Zhao’s health sharply deteriorated during the filming of Almost Lover. She was diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression, and aphasia, a condition affecting speech.
The 26-year-old actress has alleged that, instead of receiving medical care, the agency confined her to a hotel and arranged a shaman to perform an exorcism, reportedly claiming she was “cursed.”
Despite her severe condition, she was reportedly forced to continue working, using oxygen support and a wheelchair on set. Fans noticed her visibly unwell state in mid-December.
The agency allegedly downplayed her illness, continuing fan meeting ticket sales while Zhao Lusi remained hospitalized. A close friend revealed that she even sent a desperate message on December 22, 2023: “Save me.”
Allegations of Long-Term Abuse and Emotional Trauma
The controversy deepened when Zhao’s friends revealed that her struggles were not limited to the recent filming period. Song Nanxi, a close friend, stated that Zhao Lusi had been physically assaulted and emotionally abused by KU Media officials since 2019.
One incident involved Zhao being berated for hours in a restroom after a failed audition, followed by physical assault by a drunken staff member. Other colleagues, including her stylist and assistant, verified long-term mistreatment spanning several years.
Lusi disclosed in a Weibo post: “I fully support the idea that you can choose the career you aspire to at any time… you can stop at any time. You are free, and you can also be brave.” She also revealed symptoms of depression since 2019, neurological issues, allergies, and physical health challenges, including dizziness, pneumonia, joint pain, emphysema, night sweats, and urticaria.
Financial Exploitation Allegations by Zhao Lusi
On August 2, Zhao openly accused Galaxy Cool Entertainment of financial misconduct.
- Unauthorized Withdrawals: The agency allegedly withdrew 2.05 million yuan (~$280,000) from her studio account to cover brand compensation fees without her consent.
- Studio Mismanagement: Zhao’s team was reportedly pressured to sign a disputed earnings report, after which her studio was dismantled, leaving her without operational control.
- Unfair Workload: Despite her mental health conditions, Zhao claims the agency pressured her to fulfill contractual obligations.
She shared on social media: “They told me I might be blacklisted and should stay quiet. Is that what they call a solution?”
Friends revealed that KU Media controlled nearly every aspect of her career. They limited her ability to make decisions, join new projects, or address financial matters independently. Zhao Lusi revealed that she handled much of her brand coordination work, but the agency kept most of the profits.
Galaxy Cool Entertainment’s Response to Allegations
Galaxy Cool Entertainment issued a public statement on August 12, denying the allegations, particularly the claims of physical violence, calling them “completely untrue.” The agency added: “Both Lusi and we have no disagreements regarding work plans and have always strived for reasonable arrangements… We sincerely apologize for occupying public resources and express gratitude for everyone’s concern.”
Despite the denial, Zhao countered in livestreams, presenting hospital records and recordings of agency conversations obtained by her mother. She challenged the agency’s version and emphasized the mistreatment she had endured over the years.
Public Support, Social Media Impact, and Netizens’ Reactions
The entertainment industry and fans rallied behind Lusi. Producer Lu Laoshi described previous negotiations with the agency as restrictive, while actress Yao Jingshu praised Zhao’s professionalism. Fans launched social media campaigns, boosting her following by 2.3 million in just a few days, with 880,000 gained during a single livestream.
Netizens widely perceive the Hidden Love actress as attempting to leave a “slave contract” while the agency remained adamant. The agency has also faced backlash for refusing to end her contract or negotiate termination despite her health problems.
Zhao Lusi’s Personal Health and Recovery
Zhao Lusi disclosed that her physical and mental health had been deteriorating since 2019, and her condition had grown more severe in recent years.
At her lowest, her weight dropped to nearly 37 kg, later increasing to 41 kg under parental supervision. She shared a doctor’s note indicating dissociative disorder with anxiety and treatment recommendations: nutritional guidance, therapy sessions, psychological counseling, and prescribed medication.
Despite acknowledging her agency’s efforts to protect her, Zhao highlighted the imbalance of power in her contract, which runs until 2030, with a reported 400 million yuan penalty for early termination.
