The mysterious death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong has sent ripples through the Chinese-language internet,despite the best efforts of censors to suppress the news. Shortly after Sept. 11,reports emerged that his crumpled body had been found at the base of a multistory apartment building. Police labeled the death an “accidental fall” involving alcohol, then swiftly ruled out criminal activity without going into detail. Brief media notes echoed this finding.
The sanitized story-and utter silence following a well-known entertainer’s death-struck manny as bizarre, prompting netizens to question the official version of events. Option theories began circulating online claiming that Yu had been the victim of foul play or that higher-level authorities had ordered a hush-up.
Though he never reached the highest echelons of stardom, the 37-year-old Yu still attracted a notable following, with roles in several popular dramas such as Go Princess Go (2015); Eternal Love (2017); and the Legend of the White Snake (2019); and 26 million followers on weibo, a major social media platform. The actor also participated in the reality show Shine! Super Brothers featuring a cadre of male entertainers-some past their prime, but with sufficient star power to pull in viewers. Raised by a single mother, Yu maintained a reputation for kindness and impressed the public with his
The Dynamics of Online Outrage in China
Chinese fans can be incredibly dedicated to their idols, for better or worse. In a tough economic environment-where “996” refers to brutal workdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week-idol dramas featuring popular singers and celebrities offer a welcome escape. (This intense idol culture and the pressure from fans are also significant in countries like South Korea and Japan.)
When this comforting world of fantasy is shattered by difficult truths,heartbroken fans frequently enough turn to the internet. Yu’s positive image and good reputation-which stood in contrast to some of the more questionable figures in China’s entertainment industry-likely fueled a strong public response.
A clumsy attempt to cover up a scandal can also backfire,leading to a surge of online anger as people challenge the “official” narrative pushed by state media. Censors react quickly, and stories can be suppressed for many reasons, often minor ones.This often works, and the story fades-but sometimes, the censorship itself becomes the news, sparking conspiracy theories about why its being hidden. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle: the attempt to suppress a rumor creates a new story, which leads to more outrage, requiring even more censorship.