Chinese actress Zhao Lusi accuses agency of wage theft, threats

Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has engaged in a war of words with her management agency Galaxy Cool Entertainment on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

The 26-year-old, who shot to fame with period dramas such as The Romance Of Tiger And Rose (2020) and Love Like The Galaxy (2022), accused Galaxy Cool Entertainment of an unauthorised withdrawal of 2.05 million yuan (S$367,000) from her personal studio’s account.

She alleged the agency left her to shoulder financial burdens alone despite agreeing to take responsibility for cancelled endorsements, during the period in 2024 when she was seeking treatment for several health issues and depression.

The 1.61m-tall actress’ physical and mental condition took a toll due to overwork and, once, she weighed just 36kg. Photos of her in a wheelchair were also

circulated on social media

in December 2024.

Zhao lost her ability to speak at one point. She also suffered from frequent episodes of nausea and dizziness, and joint pains.

Her lengthy posts in Chinese also alleged disputes over control and unsuccessful termination negotiations. She claimed she was warned against speaking out, with threats that she could be blacklisted from the entertainment industry if she pursued legal action.

“You don’t need to blacklist me, I quit,” Zhao wrote, urging her followers to report to the police should they face similar situations.

Galaxy Cool Entertainment issued its response on Weibo on Aug 3, expressing its “shock” at Zhao’s accusations.

The agency denied any illegal or contractual breach, and emphasised it is prioritising Zhao’s “wishes and well-being” following her illness. It also urged the actress to avoid posting ambiguous content online that could lead to public misunderstanding.

Zhao subsequently reposted the statement on her Weibo, refuting the agency’s claims, and calling it out for leaving her alone when she was sick.