Chinese actress Zhao Wei, also known for her iconic role in the TV drama My Fair Princess, has previously been implicated in damaging rumors linking her to a human trafficking ring, online fraud operations and assets stashed overseas. The actress has since taken legal action to defend her reputation.
According to Chinese outlet 163, Zhao Wei’s older brother Zhao Jian publicly shared a civil mediation document issued by the Beijing Internet Court on June 5 regarding Zhao Wei’s lawsuit against Hefei Juri Sheng Cultural Media Co., Ltd.
The media company allegedly operated social media accounts responsible for spreading malicious and fabricated claims against Zhao Wei. The posts reportedly included defamatory allegations that the actress was linked to human trafficking rings, telecom fraud schemes and wealth stashed overseas.
The sensational allegations quickly attracted public attention online and generated high engagement of media accounts. However, the widespread rumors also significantly damaged Zhao Wei’s public image and reputation.
In response, Zhao Jian filed a lawsuit on behalf of his sister against both the social media accounts and the company behind them. Following the court proceedings, both parties reportedly reached a settlement agreement. According to the terms, the defendant company must issue a written apology to Zhao Wei, post an apology statement on social media, and pin the post for at least 10 days. The company was also ordered to pay compensation of 20,000 yuan, as well as 300 yuan in court costs.
Before the legal settlement, several posts on China’s Weibo platform alleged that Zhao Wei, her ex-husband Huang Youlong and TV host Li Xiang were linked to money laundering, illegal business and trafficking operations involving scams in Myanmar.
Some reports questioned Huang Youlong’s wealth accumulation, claiming that his business activities lacked transparency. Other rumors accused Zhao Wei of using overseas real estate investments and wine businesses to launder money and hide illegal profits. The posts also alleged that Zhao Wei and her ex-husband controlled shell companies to legitimize huge illegal earnings.
Chinese media 163 also reported that Huang Youlong’s cousin, identified as She Kailun, had a criminal record and was linked to a trafficking network that tricked Chinese citizens into traveling to Thailand and Myanmar, where victims were allegedly forced into telecommunications scam operations. Reports stated that he was arrested by Thai authorities in 2022.
Some Chinese media reports also speculated that Huang Youlong had links to fraud operations in the telecommunications sector in Myanmar, claiming that Zhao Wei was aware of his business deals and even invested alongside him after their marriage.
However, Zhao Jian strongly denied the allegations, stating that the claims specifically targeted Zhao Wei and lacked factual basis. She argued that because Zhao Wei is a public figure, she has become particularly vulnerable to harmful rumors and online attacks. He also revealed that legal complaints have been filed in both Beijing and Shanghai in recent years.
Zhao Wei unexpectedly disappeared from Chinese television and online platforms in August 2021, sparking widespread speculation and numerous negative rumors attempting to explain her sudden blacklisting.
On December 28, 2024, Zhao Wei announced that she had divorced Huang Youlong several years ago. The actress made it clear that she no longer has any connection with her ex-husband and does not want to be involved in his financial disputes.
Sources: K14
