Popular mainland Chinese actress Zhao Wei, known for her role as “Xia Yanzi” in the television series “Huan Zhu Ge Ge,” has been absent from the public eye for nearly four years since facing a ban in August 2021. Speculations arose about her potential comeback but there has been no further news until now.
On July 12, Zhao Wei’s brother, Zhao Jian, issued a rare statement denouncing malicious attempts to link Zhao Wei to a telecommunications fraud case in northern Myanmar, fabricating shocking and untrue allegations against her. He revealed that online attacks included fake images and death threats, causing Zhao Wei to endure prolonged cyberbullying. The family has reported the matter to the police, who have identified a lawyer as the mastermind behind these attacks.
In his statement, Zhao Jian disclosed that the lawyer admitted to spreading false information to attract attention and expand business, using multiple fake accounts to malign Zhao Wei with aggressive content. The attacks have taken a toll on their elderly mother, who has been distressed by the insults directed at her daughter, causing sleepless nights.
Previously reported by mainland media, Zhao Wei and her former businessman husband, Huang Youlong, were involved in market manipulation which led to penalties by the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission in 2018. The couple faced numerous lawsuits from investors, with hundreds of cases filed against Zhao Wei alone, both criminal and civil.
Describing Zhao Wei as a sincere and artistic actress and director, Zhao Jian emphasized that his sister is not a capitalist agent or a female Warren Buffett. He stated that her decision to remain silent in the face of public criticism was not out of weakness but to maintain dignity, and her current legal actions reflect a shift towards seeking justice rather than enduring injustice.
The statement from Zhao Jian elicited mixed reactions from netizens, with some supporting his actions and others questioning Zhao Wei’s silence on the reasons for her banishment. Speculations arose that her legal actions may be a step towards asserting her innocence and reclaiming her voice, while some suggested that her sudden fight for justice could be related to paving the way for her daughter, “Xiao Sima.”
Zhao Wei married Huang Youlong in 2008 and gave birth to their daughter, “Xiao Sima,” in Singapore in 2010. Following her divorce from Huang Youlong in 2021, the whereabouts of Zhao Wei and her daughter remained a mystery, with rumors of them residing in Beijing or even fleeing to France.
In May of this year, Xiao Sima’s whereabouts were revealed. According to reports from Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, Xiao Sima is currently studying in Switzerland at the age of 15, with her father frequently visiting her at school. She has been active on social media platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu, showcasing her growth from a cute little girl to an elegant teenage girl who enjoys dancing. In April, there were indications that she might be venturing into the entertainment industry, a speculation that has now been confirmed.
Recently, Xiao Sima shared another dance video on social media. In the video, she exudes a girl group vibe as she dances to the music in her dorm room, hinting at her interest in the film academy where she has been spending her time these days.