Liu Yifei, often revered as China’s “fairy sister” for her ethereal beauty, is now facing backlash online for allegedly doctored images shared during her recent trip to Abu Dhabi for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The actress posted a series of photos on social media, showing off a crop top and a strikingly tiny waist. Fans initially praised the star, noting her stunning figure at nearly 40 years old. However, the praise quickly turned to scrutiny after Liu accidentally uploaded an unedited animated photo that revealed a less slender midsection than in her original posts.
“The fairy’s illusion was shattered,” wrote one netizen, as comparisons between the edited images and the original ones flooded social platforms. The unedited clip, which was quickly deleted and replaced by a still image, sparked widespread discussion about body image pressures and the authenticity of celebrity appearances online.
This incident is not Liu’s first brush with controversy over digitally altered images. She has previously been criticized for discrepancies between her red carpet photos and candid images captured by fans or the media, often showing stark differences. Critics urged the star to focus on fitness rather than excessive editing.
Despite these incidents, Liu Yifei remains one of China’s most iconic actresses. Born on august 25, 1987, she gained early fame through classic roles in Demigods and demidevils (2003) e The return of the Condor heroes (2006), subsequently broadening its reach with performances in The Forbidden Kingdom, The Assassinsand Disney Mulan (2020), where she became one of the few Chinese actresses to direct a Hollywood blockbuster.
While fans continue to admire her acting and aura, this latest Photoshop controversy has reignited debates about unrealistic beauty standards in the entertainment industry. It remains to be seen whether Liu will address the matter, but the incident has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to his otherwise pristine public image.
