Controversy erupts after a drug-offense artist appears on a gala lineup; local cultural and tourism authorities respond, saying the organizer has been contacted and the artist has withdrawn.

On December 31, a star-studded show planned for Mochou Village Scenic Area in Zhongxiang, Hubei, drew public attention after its promotional poster sparked controversy. Netizens questioned whether individuals with negative records were using the event as a platform to “return,” citing singer Dong Lai Dong Wang—who has a past drug-related criminal conviction—and actor Xie Mengwei, who was previously detained for an incident involving a fake police uniform used for livestream selling.

In response, a staff member from Zhongxiang’s Culture and Tourism Bureau told Cover News that the event had gone through the required approval procedures. However, considering public sentiment, the bureau communicated with the organizer, and Dong Lai Dong Wang has now withdrawn from the performance.

According to the poster, the event—titled “Love in Hometown · Na Yina Zhongxiang Stars Night & 2026 Douyu Influencer Festival”—is scheduled for the evenings of January 9–10, 2026. The lineup includes internet personality Na Yina as the lead, with performers such as Hou Yaohua, Wang Xu of the group Xuri Yanggang, and musician Dongfang Jun, while Xie Mengwei and others are listed as guest participants.

Ticketing platforms show multiple products for sale, including admission tickets, photo-op tickets, and one-on-one co-filming videos, priced roughly from RMB 99 to RMB 999. Promotional copy describes it as an emotional celebration connecting audiences with youth memories and hometown ties.

Online criticism focused on the backgrounds of certain featured figures. Public reports note that Dong Lai Dong Wang previously received a prison sentence in a drug-related case; Xie Mengwei was detained and had his account restricted following the fake police uniform controversy; Na Yina was reportedly penalized by platforms over a “fabricated persona” and criticized by state media; and Hou Yaohua has also faced longstanding negative public opinion.

The bureau staff member said approvals typically review organizer qualifications, event content, and participant information, and there is no unified official “blacklist” of “problematic artists.” While identity verification did not present issues, the bureau emphasized that public performances must take public feelings into account—hence the adjustment. No further comments have been made regarding other names in the lineup at this stage.