Chinese actress Zhao Lusi is at the center of alarming news about her health and troubling experiences within the entertainment industry. Known for her captivating roles in popular dramas, including Hidden Love, Zhao recently collapsed on the set of her latest project, Almost Lover, leading to widespread concern among her fans and the broader entertainment community.
On December 18, Zhao was rushed to a Shanghai hospital after feeling unwell during filming. Eyewitnesses reported her appearing weak and unsteady, sparking speculations about the potential causes of her sudden collapse. Footage showing Zhao being wheeled away went viral, intensifying worries about her well-being. Following her arrival at the hospital, her management released a statement confirming she was under medical supervision and would be suspending all work commitments to focus on her recovery. "During the shooting period, Ms. Zhao Lusi devoted a lot of time and energy to this. On the 18th, she suddenly felt unwell and went to the hospital for examination and treatment immediately," stated her agency.
Zhao’s health issues reached new heights just weeks later when she shared her diagnosis on January 1, 2025. Revealing she is battling dissociative disorder with anxiety, she also acknowledged experiencing malnutrition, having been identified with a BMI under 18.5. "Brief is life, but love is long," Zhao captioned her post, conveying not only her struggles but also her determination to recover.
Alongside her health challenges, shocking details have emerged about past emotional and physical abuse Lusi endured as she navigated her acting career. A close friend of the actress revealed disturbing accounts of incidents where Zhao was subjected to prolonged verbal abuse from staff members. These decades-old episodes reportedly took place during her early career stages, particularly one night in April 2019 when she was berated for more than two hours by someone associated with her management. "I don’t know why they hit me. I’m really scared," Zhao expressed to her friend after the incident.
The abuse has had long-lasting psychological repercussions, contributing to Zhao's current mental health struggles. Despite being encouraged to pursue legal action, Zhao chose to remain silent due to fears of financial and professional repercussions, which could potentially affect her family—a stance many fans have found deeply troubling. This sentiment was amplified as fans rallied online, demanding accountability, with hashtags like #TruthForZhaoLusi and #FreeZhaoLusi becoming popular on social media. "She deserves so much more. Let’s demand the truth!" one of her supporters tweeted.
The heart-wrenching revelations from Zhao’s past resonate deeply with many, shedding light on the darker aspects of the entertainment industry. Her friend shared, "I’m truly furious. These are some things I want to reveal as her good friend... emotions can’t be bottled up; they need to be expressed and released..." This perspective echoes the struggles many within the industry face amid intense pressure to conform, balancing mental health with career expectations.
Despite her current struggles, Zhao continues to focus on recovery. After being discharged from the hospital, she shared updates on social media, showing her efforts to regain strength, as seen eating with difficulty and taking cautious steps. Supportive comments flooded her posts as fans expressed their love and concern, urging her to heal and return to the vibrant self they adore.
While Zhao Lusi's condition remains precarious, the outpouring of love and support from her fans and the community serves as a reminder of the resilience one can muster against adversity. The plight of Zhao Lusi highlights the urgent need for more compassion and vigilance against abuse, especially within competitive environments like show business.
With her past experiences now coming to light, many hope this awareness can protect others and pave the way for change—ensuring no artist endures similar hardships again. Meanwhile, as Zhao navigates this challenging chapter of her life, fans and supporters are steadfastly rallying behind her, eager to see their beloved actress recover and thrive once more.