In wake of Wang Leehom scandal, Beijing urges Taiwanese artists to pursue excellence and integrity
- The mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman did not directly refer to Wang’s ugly public divorce but said artists should work to build a good social image
- Beijing’s interest in celebrity image and behaviour has seen it crack down on ‘unethical artists’ this year, including blocking social media accounts and income
Ma Xiaoguang, a Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman, said mainland China supported cross-strait cultural exchanges but said artists should build a good social image and pursue both professional excellence and decency.
Asked whether mainland authorities would punish or blacklist Wang because of the divorce, Ma did not directly comment on the case.
“We have always been supportive of cross-strait cultural exchanges and cooperation. For some individual cases, we hope that artists who come to the mainland will practise both professional excellence and moral integrity,” Ma said.
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Wang Leehom divorce drama prompts warning by China’s Communist Party to Chinese celebrities
Wang is currently taking a break from performing after going through a messy public divorce from his former wife Lee Jinglei this month. He apologised to his family and fans after being accused on social media of serial cheating and soliciting sex workers.
“We cannot take people’s views expressed on social media as government stance,” Ma said.
