Chinese singer and actor Luhan is facing backlash after multiple social media accounts, including Weibo, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), and Douyin (China’s TikTok), were suspended due to inappropriate behavior during a livestream. This suspension has drawn significant attention and sparked discussions about celebrity accountability and social media conduct.
The suspension, which was confirmed on January 6, 2025, followed events from Luhan's livestream on November 29, 2024. During this stream, the popular artist appeared to be intoxicated. Eyewitnesses reported alarming behavior including the use of profanity and a display of negative gestures, which sharply contrasted with the image he previously cultivated as the gentle and amiable public figure.
After the suspension became public, Luhan’s studio released a formal apology. "因在直播过程中，做出了不良示范，本人在此郑重道歉。并愿意积极消除因此产生的不良社会影响，承担一个演艺工作者应该承担的社会责任。之后我将更严格要求自己的行为，以实际行动来表达我对大家的歉意。再次向大家郑重道歉，" translated as, “Due to inappropriate behavior during the livestream, I sincerely apologize. I am willing to actively eliminate the negative social impact caused and bear the social responsibility expected of someone in the entertainment industry. I will strictly demand more from myself moving forward and express my apology to everyone through my actions. I sincerely apologize again,” clearly indicates his recognition of the consequences of the situation.
During the now-infamous livestream, Luhan reacted aggressively to viewers who criticized his drinking, reportedly saying, "我就喝多了，怎么着，" which translates to, “So what if I’m drinking?” His behavior escalated as he engaged with audiences, responding to hecklers with aggressive retorts and even using obscene gestures, including giving the middle finger. This series of provocative acts quickly made headlines and became the talk of social media, with varied reactions from the public.
Some fans and internet commentators defended Luhan, arguing he was simply being genuine and emotional, expressing frustration over unkind comments aimed at him. Others, particularly those who hold celebrities to higher standards, criticized his actions as unprofessional and harmful to his image as a public figure. With discussions on platforms like Weibo, the hashtag "鹿晗社交平台被禁止关注" (Luhan's Social Media Accounts Banned) quickly topped trending lists, showcasing the widespread interest and concern around the incident.
The male star, who rose to fame as part of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO before transitioning to his solo career, carried significant influence and responsibility. This incident underscored the challenges faced by celebrities when their personal emotions spill onto public platforms, often leading to unintended repercussions.
Luhan’s studio added to the conversation by reinforcing the view of celebrities not just as entertainers but as role models expected to demonstrate decorum and maturity. "明星当然也是人，和普通人一样有七情六欲，喜怒悲欢，他们也可能因为压力和变化，产生各种各样的情绪，" meaning "Stars are also human, like ordinary people, experiencing emotions such as joy, anger, and sadness. They can also feel stressed and respond emotionally.” Such comments aim to normalize the emotional vulnerabilities of public figures but also highlight the importance of managing these emotions responsibly.
Following the incident, various media outlets examined the effectiveness of the social media platforms' community guidelines. They pointed out the necessity for faster action when inappropriate behavior occurs, arguing, “网络不是法外之地，文明上网，理性发言，远离不良信息，树立文明新风,” translating to, “The internet is not lawless; users should speak rationally, avoid negative content, and promote civility.” The expectation is for both users and influencers to embrace not only their rights but their responsibilities within the digital sphere.
Despite the criticism, many fans remain supportive of Luhan, hopeful for his personal growth following this episode. They view this incident as potentially providing him with the opportunity to learn from mistakes and evolve as both an artist and individual. The hope remains strong among his followers as they anticipate his return to performing, demonstrating what he has learned through this tumultuous experience.
Overall, this situation serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between public figures and social media. Luhan’s experiences reflect the tension between authenticity and responsibility, urging celebrities to navigate their public personas carefully to maintain not just their reputations but the respect and trust of their audiences.