【Epoch Times, August 6, 2025】26-year-old Chinese popular actress Zhao Lusi recently took to Weibo to criticize her talent agency “Galaxy Cool Entertainment.” She not only accused them of forcing her to bear the 2.05 million RMB compensation alone, but also stated, “I don’t need you to blacklist me, I quit.” As the topic trended, netizens dug up a previous post by senior actress Yang Mi from 15 years ago, where she boldly criticized her talent agency, sparking discussions.
Last year, Zhao Lusi fell ill halfway through filming a movie and was hospitalized, and the recent contract dispute with her talent agency has shocked the entertainment industry. On August 2, she posted on Weibo accusing that she was pressured by the agency during her illness, not only having to bear the 2.05 million RMB compensation alone but also facing emotional blackmail and hindrance in terminating the contract. She once again publicly criticized the talent agency, stating, “I don’t need you to blacklist me, I quit!”
Amid public attention, Zhao Lusi suddenly held a live broadcast on the afternoon of the 3rd, appearing in casual clothes with no makeup, eating noodles and interacting with fans, attracting over 30 million viewers and breaking a billion likes. She mentioned that the broadcast was not for seeking sympathy but to reassure her fans, “Let everyone know that I’m doing well, living a normal life, and not being swayed by rumors.”
Some netizens discovered that this was not the first time a Chinese actress had clashed with a talent agency. Back in 2010, the then 24-year-old Yang Mi rose to fame with “Chinese Paladin 3,” and when the talent agency “Tangren Media” offered a contract, she refused due to differing principles. She then faced resources being cut off, a significant decrease in roles, and even rumors of being slapped by a director during filming. Faced with a potential blacklist, Yang Mi boldly declared, “If you have the guts, kill me. If you can’t, then watch me grow stronger!”
Netizens consider Yang Mi’s statement a classic quote, and she later made a strong comeback with “Palace Lock Heart Jade,” gradually becoming a top-tier actress, starring in many hit TV shows and movies.
It’s worth mentioning that Yang Mi also parted ways amicably with her long-time agency “Jaywalk Studio” in May 2023. At that time, she changed her profile picture on Weibo and bid farewell with a mature and powerful message of “We once shared the past, now each has a future,” while “Jaywalk Studio” responded with messages of gratitude, good wishes, and farewell to mark the end of their collaboration.
Currently, Zhao Lusi’s communication with “Galaxy Cool Entertainment” remains at a standstill, and whether she will also choose to terminate the contract is highly anticipated. Just like Yang Mi back then, can Zhao Lusi overcome setbacks, even if her first three projects post-departure from her previous agency faced challenges, and receive praises for her performances in the new films “Jiangyuan District: Murder Case” and “Litchi in Tang Dynasty” from industry peers and netizens alike?