On December 23, 2025, news spread online following the tragic death of mainland Chinese actor Yu Menglong, who fell to his death in Beijing on September 11. Various rumors of scandals within the Chinese entertainment industry, such as “abuse” and “sacrifice,” have been circulating ever since. Recently, popular actress Chen Duling has been repeatedly mentioned as potentially being the next victim of a similar fate as Yu Menglong. The speculations continue to ignite discussions as Chen Duling made an appearance on the red carpet at the “2025 Tencent Video Starlight Awards,” seemingly as an opportunity to address the rumors positively. However, new details emerging from the event only added to the speculation.
The “2025 Tencent Video Starlight Awards” took place at the Yuanhe Sports Arena in Haikou, China on December 21. In the footage, Chen Duling, dressed in a silver-white fringe dress adorned with water diamonds, walked the red carpet alongside her co-stars Xin Yunlai and Wen Zhengrong. She stood between the two, with each of them supporting her on either side, moving slowly and stiffly. Of particular concern was the moment when she stopped for media photos, attempting to hold Wen Zhengrong’s hand, appearing unable to stand independently.
Many netizens observed Chen Duling’s movements on the red carpet, noticing her body shifted its weight towards one side or the other while taking cautious steps. A close-up revealed her meticulous makeup, flawless styling, controlled facial expressions, and a restrained smile for the camera. However, this composure differed significantly from her usual confident and lively demeanor on the red carpet, raising further doubts.
Questionable scenes unfolded as Chen Duling changed into a green dress for the subsequent awards ceremony, where she interacted normally with other celebrities and even walked on stage alone to receive the “Shining Artist of the Year” award. Despite the floor-length gown, she walked swiftly in high heels, a stark contrast to her demeanor on the red carpet. Netizens questioned, “What could be the reason for this sudden change?”
At 32 years old, Chen Duling is known for her fresh and elegant demeanor, with a slender figure. Since her debut in 2015 in director Su Youpeng’s film “Left Ear,” she has gained popularity for her roles in hit series like “The Journey of Flower,” “Unforgettable Love,” and “Lotus Mansion,” steadily increasing her fame.
However, recent rumors circulating on social media suggest Chen Duling could be the next victim following Yu Menglong, alleging she was subjected to abuse and sacrifice before her alleged demise. Speculations even suggested that the person appearing in front of cameras as Chen Duling was actually a body double wearing a silicone mask. In response, Chen Duling’s studio issued a lawyer’s statement on November 18, condemning the false and exaggerated claims as damaging to her reputation, promising to monitor and gather evidence for possible legal action.
Following the emergence of the red carpet footage, screenshots and discussions spread quickly online, with netizens expressing shock over the level of assistance Chen Duling received during the event. Some noted the unusually slow pace of her walk, almost entirely relying on others for support. Despite the public scrutiny, neither the event organizers nor Chen Duling herself has offered any explanations or clarifications regarding the incident.