Zhao Lusi Speaks Out for the First Time, Admits to Suffering '6 Illnesses'

Chinese actress Zhao Lusi was reported to have fallen ill, and her studio confirmed on December 27th last year that she sought medical attention on December 18th due to physical discomfort and is currently on a work hiatus to recuperate. It was revealed that she had been hospitalized and rescued due to fainting from prolonged stress. It also surfaced that she had been PUAed by her boss for five years, which has drawn significant attention. Today, after her Weibo account was restored, she posted a long article detailing her experiences, admitting that she had depressive tendencies from over five years ago due to violence from her boss, and accused him of taking a large sum of money before letting her leave.

Zhao Lusi mentioned that she began experiencing depressive emotions in 2019, with many telling her "don't make a fuss" and "just have an open mind, everything will be fine." At the time, she felt that she was being overly sensitive and emotional, and did not pay attention to her mental health. In 2021, she felt like there were bugs crawling on her body, felt pricked, and had allergies. After hospital visits for medication and injections, her symptoms did not alleviate. She then sought a psychologist to start treatment to ease her nervous emotions. 

Unexpectedly, by 2023, she was suffering from 6 illnesses, including pneumonia, emphysema, pityriasis rosea, urticaria, night sweats, and sudden deafness. Moreover, she faced a series of family losses and cancer diagnoses within a short span, which were overwhelming, leading her to continue neglecting her health. It wasn't until 2024 that she began experiencing frequent vomiting, dizziness, joint pain, and neck pain, with worsened allergic reactions. She initially thought these were normal side effects of the allergy-targeted medication she was taking. 

She pointed out that she had never mentioned her illness before because she didn't want being sick to be seen as "hype". However, being at this point, she wishes for people to understand that "depression is an emotion, but depression is a disease, and it cannot be solved by just 'thinking positive or talking it out'." She genuinely hopes that others who "can empathize with this" will understand psychological disorders and prioritize mental health treatment. 

Regarding her work, she said as a child, she was often told she was "a useless vase," and was beaten by her teachers in dormitories during off-campus tuition, believing it was her own fault. She felt guilty for not being cast in roles when she grew up and never dared to speak up, just wanting to escape. “I got used to handling my issues myself and never had the habit of seeking help from others. Later, because my work was recognized, I was grateful for the confidence others gave me, which finally gave me the courage to say goodbye." 

She accused her company boss of verbally abusing and beating her in 2019, with the other party dismissing it by saying, "Sorry, I was drunk." Zhao Lusi has since been unable to shake the trauma, leading to her depression, and later paid the "huge breakup fee" to him.

Zhao Lusi's former manager Xu Yijuan (left), producer Yu Zheng under public accusation.Former Manager Threatens to Sue, Yu Zheng Quickly Distances Himself

Netizens dug up Zhao Lusi’s former manager Xu Yijuan, who has released a statement via lawyer denying the allegations of beating Zhao Lusi and demanding exorbitant termination fees, and plans legal action against those spreading false information and defamation. 

Additionally, rumors also connected Xu Yijuan with producer Yu Zheng, suggesting their friendship and him allegedly bullying Zhao Lusi together. He posted today stating he was unaware of the assault incident, and his earlier comments critiquing Zhao Lusi were misunderstandings. He mentioned they kept in touch later, saying, "I don’t want to be associated with Xu Yijuan, what does it have to do with me? Just a moment ago, Lusi WeChatted me. Is it me disturbing her recovery, or those unruly fans not letting her recover in peace?” He also warned Zhao Lusi’s fans, “If you keep attacking me, we can discuss things slowly, there’s a lot to talk about.”