Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, who is at the peak of her career, was found in December last year to be sent to the hospital in a wheelchair, suffering from aphasia and mobility issues, forcing her to halt all work. Subsequently, a series of issues were exposed, including Zhao Lusi's grueling schedule with almost no rest and past incidents of verbal humiliation and physical abuse by her management company’s boss. The management company issued a statement denying these claims, with both sides sticking to their stories, creating a Rashomon effect. Many netizens have pointed out the reasons why Zhao Lusi took such actions and the three most likely scenarios she might face in the future.
In the past, when artists fell ill, they often chose to hide it and not deliberately make it public. However, Zhao Lusi chose to have her friends speak out for her this time. After reclaiming control over her Weibo account, she personally posted accusations against the company’s misconduct, revealed her unbearable past, and even exposed her battle with depression, posting videos on the platform about her efforts towards recovery. Such actions suggest a complete fallout with her management company, with the public believing that she doesn’t want to settle the matter by paying for a peaceful contract termination.
In response, Zhao Lusi’s former manager revealed in a social media post that Zhao Lusi signed a contract with "Galaxy Entertainment" in September 2016. If the contract was only for 10 years, she would only need to endure for another year and a half to part ways peacefully. But she hasn't chosen this path, suggesting that, as rumored, her contract term exceeds 10 years, following industry practices where such contracts typically last at least 12 years.
Looking at the current situation, the management company is unwilling to compromise. Some netizens analyzed that if Zhao Lusi wants to leave, one way would be to pay a penalty fee. However, as a popular rising star born in '95, the penalty amount could be exorbitantly high, possibly beyond her means. If she can’t pay, the second option is to stay with "Galaxy Entertainment" until the contract ends. Yet if the company seeks revenge by freezing her out of projects because of this incident, she could be sidelined for at least 4 years.
Especially considering "Galaxy Entertainment's" previous statement, which concluded with "we sincerely hope everyone can give Lusi some time and space to recuperate, and wait for her return," the words "wait for her return" likely indicate the company's intention not to release her from the contract.
Director Wang Zhaoda, when discussing this issue, suggested that Zhao Lusi might have already been mentally prepared for such an outcome. However, in the highly competitive entertainment industry, being shelved for so many years could very well turn a top-tier starlet into someone who struggles to make a comeback. Media outlets analyzing the entire incident also believe Zhao Lusi’s contract termination appears hopeless, and her worst option might be to permanently leave the industry.
Source: China Times News Network