Zhao Wei, 49, banned just 10 minutes after appearing in a livestream, comeback unlikely

(Beijing, Jan 29) Chinese actress Zhao Wei, who was officially labeled a “discredited artist” and blacklisted in August 2021, has remained banned for more than four years. Recently, she appeared to test the waters for a comeback through a livestream, but only minutes after she appeared on screen, the broadcast was abruptly cut off and the related account was swiftly banned. Industry observers believe her attempt to return via online platforms is effectively over.

Once a top-tier star in China’s entertainment industry, Zhao Wei has kept a low profile since the ban. In September 2025, a Chinese court froze part of her equity assets, involving approximately RMB 16 million, for a period of three years.

The exact reason behind her sudden blacklisting has never been officially clarified. Speculation has ranged widely, including unverified rumors of political involvement, but none have been confirmed. Despite repeated reports over the years suggesting a possible comeback, no attempt has succeeded.

In recent months, Zhao Wei has become more publicly visible. She posted a video of herself walking her dog on social media in late December 2025 and was reportedly in Shanghai at the time. Over the past month, she has been spotted multiple times at airports in Shanghai and Beijing with her daughter. She has also interacted openly with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos, which many interpreted as a signal of a potential return.

She later made several voice-only appearances in livestreams promoting her winery, hinting at renewed public engagement. During the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026, she unexpectedly appeared on camera in the livestream. The session briefly boosted sales, but after about ten minutes, the feed went black and was shut down.

Afterward, Zhao Wei reportedly sent voice messages to her fan groups, saying she might not be able to appear in such livestreams again.

Soon after, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency published a commentary stressing that discredited artists should not be allowed to make a comeback, urging platforms to strengthen content moderation and eliminate loopholes driven by traffic-oriented algorithms.

Meanwhile, an online article accusing Zhao Wei, her ex-husband Huang Youlong, and TV host Li Xiang of involvement in cross-border money laundering circulated widely, sparking controversy. Zhao Wei’s brother Zhao Jian later issued a statement denying the allegations, accusing self-media outlets of malicious fabrication, and confirmed that police reports had been filed in Beijing and Shanghai. Zhao Wei reposted his statement, noting that the cases are currently in the legal process.

Taken together, recent developments suggest that Zhao Wei’s hopes of reviving her career through online platforms have been severely curtailed. Some netizens have suggested she consider pursuing opportunities overseas as a possible alternative.