Chinese actor Zhang Haowei has been officially cleared of shocking charges of prostitution and tax evasion, nearly a year after the scandal severely damaged his reputation and career.
In August 2024, social media was flooded with alleged audio recordings and screenshots accusing Zhang Haowei of falsifying financial documents and evading taxes. The controversy intensified when an entertainment blogger posted an audio clip alleging that the actor had organized prostitution activities.
Although the information was never verified, the allegations quickly spread online, causing Zhang’s public image to collapse and effectively end his career.
According to HK01, Zhang Haowei has now been formally cleared following a forensic investigation. In September this year, the actor filed a lawsuit against a former acquaintance named Mao, accusing him of defamation and damage to reputation.
After a thorough investigation, authorities concluded that Mao had used the technology to fabricate audio recordings and manipulate images, which were then deliberately provided to entertainment bloggers to defame Zhang Haowei.
During the sentencing, the judge ordered Mao to issue a public apology and pay 50,000 yuan (RMB) in compensation to Zhang Haowei for emotional distress and reputational damage.
Zhang later revealed that the defendant was a childhood friend, but the two fell out after a financial dispute. According to the actor, this personal conflict became the reason behind the harmful invention.
“My career has suffered significant damage due to this incident,” Zhang Haowei said. “Now that the truth has finally been revealed, I hope to return to acting and be accepted by my colleagues and the public again.”
Born in 1991, Zhang Haowei became famous for his role as the crown prince in Joy of Life. However, after the scandal broke and the widespread boycott, several dramas he had filmed were forced to undergo urgent changes or were unable to air as planned.
With the court’s ruling now public, Zhang Haowei’s case has become a high-profile example of how fabricated digital evidence and unverified online allegations can devastate a public figure’s life, while highlighting the importance of legal recourse to restore justice.
Sources: Znews
