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Baidu’s public relations head steps down after eye-popping remarks on work culture spark controversy in China

  • The internet search giant’s internal system shows that Qu Jing has departed from her position, according to current employees
  • Qu has apologised for her series of short videos supporting a gruelling work culture, while a Baidu executive has condemned damaging work practices

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Controversial comments made by Baidu’s public relations head has sparked a public backlash in China. Photo: Bloomberg
Iris Dengin Shenzhen
Baidu’s public relations chief Qu Jing has left the Chinese internet search giant after her comments endorsing an intense workplace culture sparked a public backlash, according to people familiar with the matter and local media reports.

The firm’s internal system shows that Qu, a vice-president, has departed from her position, according to employees who declined to be named because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

Chinese tech outlet 36Kr first reported on Qu’s exit.

Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Qu Jing, public relations head at Baidu, has left her position after a public backlash over her controversial comments. Photo: Qu Jing/Douyin
Qu Jing, public relations head at Baidu, has left her position after a public backlash over her controversial comments. Photo: Qu Jing/Douyin

The Beijing-based company on the same day published on its public WeChat account an internal speech by Cui Shanshan, senior vice-president in charge of human resources and administrative functions, condemning damaging work practices that she said are common in Big Tech firms, including “working overtime to show a [positive] working attitude”.

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