Wang Hedi is currently facing intense criticism from the public after speaking about feeling uncomfortable during his appearance on a recent variety show.
According to Chinese media reports, Wang Hedi participated in the variety show Dear inn along with several celebrities including Qin Lan and Shen Yue.
The controversy reportedly began during the program’s final episode, in which cast members held a mock awards ceremony for participants. Wang Hedi received a title award “Only Wang Hedi”, which was intended to encourage him to remain free-spirited and true to himself.
However, many fans felt that the award was dismissive and did not adequately recognize Wang Hedi’s contribution as one of the show’s core members.
Further criticism emerged after cast members jokingly mangled his name into a phrase that implied he was classified “in conclusion”, while Qin Lan also mentioned during another broadcast that there was a separate group chat without Wang Hedi included.
On May 23, Wang Hedi addressed the controversy via social media, writing: “At the time I thought maybe I was just being sensitive. But after reading everyone’s analysis throughout the day, I want to say I felt really uncomfortable at the time.”
His firm later republished the statement, adding: “Sensitivity is not weakness. It is an instinctive awareness of personal boundaries.”
Following Wang Hedi’s comments, fans strongly criticized Shen Yue and other cast members, accusing them of workplace bullying and social exclusion.
Shen Yue later publicly apologized, explaining that he never intended to disrespect or isolate Wang Hedi and that the jokes were simply friendly teasing between close colleagues.
He also clarified that the separate group chat was only created to organize support for Wang Hedi’s film release by raising money for movie bookings.
The controversy has attracted huge attention online especially as Wang Hedi and Shen Yue remain one of the most beloved on-screen couples in Chinese entertainment after starring together in the 2018 remake of Meteor Garden.
Some related hashtags have reportedly amassed over a billion total views on Chinese social media platforms.
Despite the support of his fans, Wang Hedi soon became the target of heavy backlash himself.
Many netizens argued that the actor should have expressed his feelings privately months earlier instead of commenting publicly after discussions among fans intensified online. Critics accused him of indirectly encouraging fan attacks against his colleagues.
The controversy further intensified when old clips resurfaced showing Wang Hedi making jokes or behaving playfully towards other celebrities during past programs. Some viewers claimed that the actor himself had previously crossed boundaries with other entertainers, leading to accusations of double standards.
As debates continue to spread across platforms including Weibo, Xiaohongshu and Douyin, Wang Hedi’s public image has reportedly suffered considerable damage, with reactions remaining sharply divided between supporters and critics.
