Chinese celebrity Jackson Yee bows out of National Theatre post after public backlash
- The singer and actor said he would not take up the post, which carries a range of benefits, after a backlash over the fairness of his recruitment
- Youth unemployment reached record levels last month and jobs with state bodies are becoming increasingly prized
Yee, who is known as Yi Yangqianxi in China and a member of popular boy band TF Boys, said he had applied for the role in a process that “completely complied” with the theatre’s requirements.
“I never negotiated or discussed anything involving ‘tailor-made recruitment’ with the teachers of the National Theatre, nor did I use any so-called ‘short cuts’ to obtain enrolment,” the 21-year-old said in a statement on Chinese social media on Sunday.
However, he went on: “Since I entered the industry, I have always hoped to bring a positive influence to everyone. However, this time, my behaviour has made everyone feel offended and dissatisfied, and also affected the National Theatre, which is the last thing I want to see.
“In order not to add to your troubles, after careful consideration, I have decided to give up on joining the National Theatre.”
