AO3 Being Blocked in China and Xiao Zhan - What Happened

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[@lilshadowyc]

Despite the beautifully portrayed valuable life lesson that The Untamed taught us about mob mentality, no-one has learned that lesson.

[@nameisnotimportant6219]

I know right everyone is just going on about the ships. I mean yeah that is also one of my biggest ships (between wwx and lwj ) but the series has soooooooooo much more to it than just the romance and the love which no one even looked at. it kind of makes me sad the series is so beautiful but no one even recognise it's beauty because they are too busy to ship two people.

[@lilshadowyc]

@@nameisnotimportant6219 Agreed. I like how you used "beautiful" to describe the show because it really is beautiful in all aspects. The ships are very beautiful take-aways but I wish more people could also appreciate the even deeper meanings that the story has.

[@skyler5679]

Iwiccaozzie hmm what happened to XZ now? I heard some brand drop off him as their ambassador is that true ?

[@skyler5679]

Iwiccaozzie lol yes its oppo, it's quite popular in china and asia right now, my brother actually work there 😂 Anyway i hope all the brand woll want him back now

[@majkristinhansen1256]

Those are the smal minded people😢

[@kaij3315]

Another time was when a fifteen year old girl tried committing suicide because her father won't buy her Xiao Zhan merch. And who was blamed for it? Xiao Zhan. This fifteen year old fanatic tried ending her life over a petty issue and Xiao Zhan was the one who was attacked and told to keep his fans under control. I think people are forgetting that idols are not their fans' parents and neither are they responsible for their actions. Underage fans should be kept in check by their *parents* and adult fans should start acting more like mature adults and less like obsessive psychopaths.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

strawwanni [wanni] they’re all like oh he’s an idol! He should control his fans! Lmao like he’s not their nanny... he doesn’t have the power to stop every single fan.

[@ashaj7095]

@@triplea_qgb1963 the ones who should get their heads examined are the holier-than-thou 227 cyberbullies. Their twisted logic and rationale to literally kill off XZ is far more scary and toxic than the subgroup of extreme XZ fans.

[@jkv5332]

How is it his fault? It's so unreasonable how he's blamed for literally NOTHING.

[@akatorrax1225]

idols are not their fans' parents ?Of course! fan's are their idols parents ;)

[@qwmx]

I'll never understand fans who romanticize idols to the point where they will do creepy stuff like that (e.g. Kpop idol fans). I suspect the father is probably trying to make money off the situation by blaming the idol. It would be crazier if both daughter and father are just pretending to try to get money.

[@ally4629]

As an American fan of untamed and ao3, I can say this is the most pettiest thing I’ve ever seen done to a celebrity

[@valeriaz4049]

@@摆渡舟子 He have done nothing！He is not a teacher of his fans.

[@yannn1314]

@@valeriaz4049 Seriously? Fans bring millions of profits to him and Xiao Zhan are somehow their faith. He is definitely responsible for all these matters. He initially has the POWER to stop the worst but he NEVER. Idol should have been fans' role model. I don't see anything wrong saying that he is their teacher. Don't you know the studio and fan organization must have cooperation? And now he will end up being NOTHING because of NOTHING he has done. It's equivalent exchange.

[@sanjanapriyapogula2091]

@@yannn1314 Dude yeah it good to speak up but in scenarios like this if he berates his fans his own fans would get mad at him. It's pretty obvious that it's a no win situation it's just better to stay quiet and let everything blow over.

[@yannn1314]

​@@sanjanapriyapogula2091 Thanks for replying. Your statement indeed makes sense. But you have maybe overgeneralized Xiao Zhan's fans. Some of his rational fans (at the same time fandom lovers) indeed find all these matters are wrong. If all his fans get mad so easily by their idol giving some advice, then I doubt their love to Xiao Zhan. Maybe they just love their love to Xiao Zhan instead of the idol himself, you know, a commodity of fan economy. Anyway, it's too late and 227 "war" will never end. Xiao Zhan's career is doomed.

[@hotmonkeyjay5822]

Alyssa Viz yeah.The last person to do so spent a year in the bilibili ghost farm😂😂😂

[@vldt5934]

Xiao Zhan was just starting the golden time of his career and this suddenly happens.

[@balqisadnan5780]

yess, he just joined the industry at 25, now he's only 29. It's actually so so early 😥

[@shufenzhao2523]

And he is talented. He has a bright and promising future. He should. He deserves it.

[@ishmah6468]

What happened actually? Sorry i'm trying to search things but i can't fully understand it

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@ishmah6468 A03 got banned in China and it's related to a fanfic featuring him. It's pretty crazy because his fans and other fanfiction fans got in a huge fight. In the end, the one victim is Xiao Zhan who pretty much lost almost everything he worked for. I heard even his mom wanted him to leave the entertainment industry after all of this mess. He even lost his grandfather in March...

[@rovelynamontoc7095]

@@triplea_qgb1963 what's the issue pls enlighten me, I knew him in OH MY EMPEROR,, PLSSS

[@briansmith6941]

What’s Xiao Zhan suppose to do, defend the author and become a target for the government and his “fans” or defend his “fans” and be seen as cruel by almost everyone else. He’s the real victim here he can’t speak out or he’ll lose his career and at the same time he might lose it anyway and he literally did nothing

[@aynnsnow]

very well said... am afraid some young people are losing their wits or let's say the values of life they've dismissed, if not buried, sigh... teenagers (edit: nowadays) need to get in a time machine and see the hard times yet sweet life of the '80s and '90s....

[@fishramen5390]

He's really in a difficult place 😣😣,

[@pinkunojoandes]

A lot of stars had been publicly voicing out to stop their crazy fans going beyond the line. BECAUSE THE CRAZY FANS ONLY LISTEN TO THEIR IDOL. Aaron, ZTAO and many others did that before although they get haters from their own fandom for a while, but that is the right thing to do. The fans appreciate that later on and people are amazed of their bravery. You're the idol, you're massive influencer, and you need to step out and say something when you know something bad is going on, or someone is getting hurt by your fans who claimed "trying to protect" you. Usually a star/the team choose to keep quiet because what the fan did is actually rewarding as "NOT" voicing out is a strategy that made a star famous as his fandom is bringing out his name everywhere in the social media for free. That's what really is in CHINA IDOL INDUSTRY. I'm not saying that Xiao Zhan is to be blamed for this, but the truth is, the hate for Xiao Zhan is growing in China because his choice of action was to apologize AFTER the events, and not "Voicing out" DURING the chaos. If an idol can sing a song to encouraged the corona virus victims, why not say a word to prevent the internet bully?

[@Pandas_and_Books]

@Pinkuno joandes he wouldn’t just be condemning his fans though. He’d basically be advocating for transsexualism and homosexuality. Amechian is right. He’d be going against the government in this case.

[@ilikenoodles1801]

bobbleheadedsam I don’t understand, the government was not involved in this, and he himself is literally in a homosexual drama? How is stopping your crazy fans from stripping the liberty of art some sort of revolution against the gov.

[@leightatterton]

It's frightening how the fate of a character sometimes happens to the one playing him. What Xiao Zhan is facing now somehow reminds me of Wei Wu Xian.

[@Env13s]

The same thought came into my mind, it’s very unfortunate :(.

[@jeanabeana8818]

The distinction you've drawn is pure irony! Very good observation!

[@Zeniiichan]

That's Exactly what I tought... How his reputation went from 100 to -100 reminded me of Wei Wuxian

[@osborne6363]

Sadly the truth

[@akinbamijennifer4977]

I believe he will still make it 2 d top..after all he's d yiling patriarch

[@lorak.4023]

This really was handled really poorly from the fandom, to authorities to the users. Some points I want to make: 1. Probably nobody would have known about that writer if the fandom didn't bring light to it. Sometimes it's better to ignore. 2. It's because of creative freedom that we got The Untamed to begin with. 3. Shutting down the entire site is the worst way to handle this situation. 4. It's not the the actor's fault!

[@bellahoshi]

Yep. Very much Streisand Effect. Now even the unrelated international fandoms know about that fic.

[@icantthinkofone7125]

Lora K. PERIODT!!

[@cadreycole9505]

Exactly! Or better yet reprimand the person who is responsible for such action. Why take all the blame on an innocent actor who clearly has no control over it?Like where is their basic common sense?

[@icantthinkofone7125]

Cadrey Cole Yesss. I was so angry I couldn’t put it into words but you did perfectly 🤚🙌

[@vwoeng7477]

They shut down the site because it was mass reported by the organized rabid fans and it does tick off many of the check lists. In a way, the authorities were listening to the public. AO3 would have stayed much longer if the fans hadn't brought so much attention to it

[@caloipalaboi2048]

Do anyone realize that what had happened to his character (Wei Wuxian, blamed for something he didn't do) is also happening to Xiao Zhan right now? Just saying. I hope he's fine.

[@lyrahazel2079]

Ikr

[@saismrutinayak1555]

I agree...

[@crimsonrealm7]

I was also gonna comment that

[@crimsonrealm7]

Its ironic really

[@dragonsmith9462]

Kayfabe often becomes the reality its simulating in the world of professional wrestling.

[@cassilvermist5206]

This is such a mess. I heard about Ao3 being blocked but didn’t realize what happened to cause it. I love fanfic a lot. Been reading for years. Fandoms are amazing but sometimes people get crazy. It’s scary. The toxicity is no joke.

[@junhweGo]

Whats AO3?

[@cassilvermist5206]

junhwe1988 Go Archive of our own. Biggest fanfiction platform in the world

[@x3crissie]

Let's be real - fans, i.e. a minority of the population, do not have the power to influence what the government does.

[@cocolu6949]

No they do. The fans were the catalyst. The government might have been eyeing the website but because of the thousands of phone calls they received that’s wat got the website blocked. Now the banning of the website will be a permanent mark on XZ and his fans.

[@joanj7617]

The part you don't know is AO3 in Chinese is totally different. Tons' of novels never respect real person. They take celebrity's names and portrayed them in all kinds of erotic novels. Because AO3 is not famous enough, they post these novels parts that without RC17 into public website where teenagers and even prime school students are active, with a direct link to AO3 with these RC17 pieces. This trend is getting worse and almost 80% of the writers are doing it. They cannot even write a regular fan fic novel any more without RC17. Even worse, these writers are not satisfied with small circle and want to attract more readers. So they don't respect the tagging system. Eventually this behavior hit the line. Some fans who are teens somehow organized by one senior fan to report. And eventually cause AO3 being blocked by censorship system. Now these writers and their readers blame everything to Xiaozhan, a victim of such novels.

[@shugoshugo123]

I can't help but imagine being Xiao Zhan, literally doing nothing and suddenly being in the center of this shit storm. It must be terrifying af. Unless him or his team was involved in taking down AO3, I just can't see how he can be blamed for it. Fandom culture is problematic but I really don't think its something that the celebrities themselves have control over.

[@RoseNZieg]

Julie Chen i agree. toxic fandom is beyond the control of PR. anyone who tries to blame the stars just want a scapegoat.

[@emilysee8588]

The fans until now kept directing the masses' anger towards their idol. They kept saying they are doing "justice" for their idol's sake. And adding fuel to the anger by belittling and shaming ao3.

[@nmnscpn197]

@@emilysee8588 - I doubt a real fan would say that. A real fan would accept the blame rather than pointing it to their idol. I am beginning to wonder if this is all a scam. [From what I read in a few international articles, last Dec 15 2019, c-gov announced new law which come into effect on March 1 2020. Part of the new law was to 'bar' illegal and negative contents and encourage positive contents]. Lo and behold, end of Feb 2020 a few 'so called' xfx created problem and the whole fandom and Xiao Zhan got blamed for the [barring]. Revision: [......]

[@emilysee8588]

@@nmnscpn197 I wonder too if it's a plot to let the idol become popular. Another war is starting right now on Weibo. They are whitewashing the idol. All angered fans are silently planning against this. They've all gone mute online or inactive so they won't be used. I'll fill in the details later. I can't reveal anything yet until I see what are the fans' actions next. If you really need the truth, it's best to go to China's platform where the fans left their public comments there.

[@emilysee8588]

@@laychooho9482 Agree. There are different fans within the group but the masses sees it as a whole. There are fans apologising to account users. Then the same account users get reported by a group of fans. This make people think that they're insincere in their apologies. I'm only stating what I saw and how others reacted. Hoping more of you could get informed on how it came to be.

[@bellahoshi]

Maybe a bit of words for younger fans related to this from someone who has seen a fair share of fandom drama: 1. You need to have healthy separation of fiction and reality. A fiction is afterall a fiction. Even real person fanfiction is just that, a fiction. It's not real. If you don't like a fanfic other people write? Move along, move along. Just close your eyes and pretend that fic never exists. In old fandom parlance: Don't Like, Don't Read. Still annoyed about a fic? Write fic you like yourself. You hate shippy fics about your idol? Write fics you like yourself. Portray your idol like your perception of them. You might snag a few comments and kudos from that. But even if you get no comment whatsoever, writing fiction is still a worthwhile endeavor. 2. DON'T SNITCH. DON'T TATTLE. You'll put people in danger. Yes, even in US. Even in Europe. 3. DON'T HARASS PEOPLE. Related to point 1. And this is a good principle to live regardless. 4. YOU DON'T OWN YOUR IDOL. Idols on TV are just human being just like you. Entertainment is their day job. Enjoy their work. Appreciate their work. But you don't own them. 5. Think the consequences of your action. Well, just that. Sorry for my English since English is a foreign language for me. I hope the storm will pass soon and everyone comes out relatively okay.

[@IrkinsEselsior]

But fic-writers are not an owner of IDOL or other a real person too.

[@bellahoshi]

@@IrkinsEselsior Well, no. Nobody can own anyone but themselves. It's just story writing. Not much different than writing stories inspired by people around you. Listen, people can debate the ethics of RPF. But RPF has long history. Maybe check this: fanlore.org/wiki/RPF Oh, also Hustler Magazine vs Falwell. Listen, most idols are adults. If they don't like RPF about themselves, they can take action themselves (A lawsuit about that won't fly in the US where AO3 is based though). And that fan's action reporting it has made the RPF story in question widely known. Streisand Effect. Even people outside RPF circle knows. Actually it's much more practical to left the RPF you don't like in obscurity. It will fade into the shadows sooner or later. RPF is just niche within niche.

[@hisokameruem]

You English is perfect, your comment is perfect. 👏👏👏 Unfortunately there is more and more harassment online everywhere and it is worrisome..

[@bellahoshi]

@@hisokameruem Yeah. Sadly I don't know whether all these situations can be deescalated, TBH.

[@62431]

How I love your comment! they dont have to be meddlesome on people who loves what they hate. They can create or search for what they like instead ofjudging other for what they like.

[@vivianheartfiliaheartfilia236]

Wow. I am seriously heartbroken after hearing this. Xiao Zhan literally has done nothing wrong. He has no control over a mess he did not cause. I can't even imagine what kind of stress he is going through.

[@hannahsimon6838]

I know. Sending him and everyone effected, thoughts of love and fortitude to get through all this drama.

[@nicoletteuy8455]

Exactly...! Poor kid

[@belle225]

I feel so sorry for him . These girls are really crazy

[@levizy8727]

I really hope xiao zhan work doesn't get affected he doesn't deserve such injustice

[@beautifulshownu2228]

But it does.. His commercial value has fallen, he lost an endorsement & the contact signed earlier with Hoa Tung is in halt.. .

[@hopegotha5160]

@@beautifulshownu2228 He has move up to number 1 and his fans are buying all his products, not every one hates him and many people are still supporting him silently, it's only his haters that are loud even Olay that he is sponsoring sold out in a day and the Budweiser beer he is endorsing also sold out, he will overcome all this, millions of people got his back some are not just announcing it

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Hope Gotha he lost almost every ad/endorsement.

[@emoticonfeliz2129]

Dude, no, if your unsattisfied by AO3 being blocked just go attack the chinese government, Xiao Zhan has no fault in this, he did literally NOTHING.

[@cathyliu7451]

Who dares?

[@vwoeng7477]

No, it's the rabid fans who were at fault. The government only did what the masses asked because the fans organized mass reporting against ao3 knowing it ticks off many of the ban requirements. What, should ao3 be the special snowflake and be left out of the censorship without following Chinese rules while Facebook and Google who are multibillion platform still stay banned because they don't fulfill the requirements of Chinese government?

[@insomniaaaaa4813]

@@vwoeng7477 yeah but the rules of the government are bigoted and shit anyway. They wouldn't be able to take advantage if the rules were fair, censorship is never right (unless its content that is advocating for killing people, like nazi propaganda).

[@sextuplemillionsellersfan7961]

It’s because of crazy fans not the government. The government didn’t give a sht to the website at first but after the controversy, those crazy fans mass-report the website and caught the government’s attention and they need to take down because of those mass-report

[@shriyakannaujia9471]

Under the guise of senseless censorship, what is their govt doing exactly... Their govts disaster management sucks to next level

[@monicaspigner4179]

I'm confused on why Xiao Zhan is under attack. This is crazy

[@nathanteruna5224]

would you like to know why?

[@eunichkacaban2193]

@@nathanteruna5224 yes

[@nathanteruna5224]

Eunichka Caban OK, so after what the fans have done to ao3 and lofter, they continued their journey of messing up with other peoples circles for example the kamen rider circle got reported as kamen rider build had a similar Nick name as XiaoZhan which is zhanzhan so did ultraman zero because he looked like a rabbit. The journey didn't just stopped there, they also twisted the meaning of scp into supper cp (cp is couple)which means gay love. XiaoZhan gotten fans from a television show, which came from a novel that do contain some child inappropriate things, the fans reported ao3 and lofter and said that ao3 is basically a website full of novels that is h. Also they cyber bullied quite a number of writers (some suicided, some quit being a writer and some are still alive) they also gave a lot of 1 star comments to the app for reading and apps to save datas.

[@nathanteruna5224]

Eunichka Caban want to know what xiaozhan did?

[@tatertot651]

nathan teruna but that wasn’t his doing that were his “fans” I don’t think they would’ve of stopped even if he did speak up about it they’d continue and then also turn their back on xz he loses both ways.

[@Sailormac2]

This is why I am freaking scared for the two leads of Word of Honor. That series is rapidly growing in popularity like Untamed did, the stars are rapidly amassing the same kinds of followings, and this could happen all over again.

[@SanaaaaawA]

Girl, u stole my words 😭✋ I'm freaking tensed as well praying for zzh and sg...hope they'll not get this kinda shit as woh is more to be seen as not a fuck given to the censorship kinda drama👀

[@yyzz2960]

I think they would be fine, what happened to XZ had a lot to do w his management company, n let’s be honest both his and wyb’s r not good w their PR while zzh and gj’s situation r very different, one is under ZhaoWei and one is his own boss, so they hav a lot more autonomy on what they can do and how they manage things

[@persgodiva]

I think both ZZH and GJ are actually handling it fantastically - their agencies are making it clear that they are a unit while on the drama and neither are encouraging their solo fans at all. ZZH during the concert saying he'll always be there for GJ and acknowledging CP fans gave a lot of people are really relieved feeling because it seems those two will stick together and help each other out no matter what'll come in the future. Just a few days ago, both studios announced they are suing extreme haters (who are usually solo fans of the other) and the way they announced it makes it clear it was a joint operation.

[@screamthename_1772]

Same thought sis, As a fan of Yizhan and Junzhe , I'm already super upset with what happened to yizhan , I really don't want the same thing to repeat all over again with Junzhe..There already have been fight continuously going on between the solo stans of Zhehan and Gongjun and many stuff happened too..It's unfortunate but it's impossible to stop those stupid people..I just hope that the stupidity between "fans" doesn't effect the actor's relationship with eo or their career..Either ways I'm glad that now their agencies are suing the haters who are crossing their boundaries [ who are solo fans of one of them and would do anything to separate their fav from the other ] , the way gj and zzh's studio's announced it sounds like a joint operation to me.

[@nancyyu9116]

@@yyzz2960 ZhaoWei??? XiaoYanZi ZhaoWei? I didn't know she opened an agency! :O

[@whatchahowsya8688]

My thoughts on this: 1) Creative freedom is so important and the power to pretty much strip it away is a scary thing. 2) Fandom obsession has always and continues to be disturbing and toxic. I never understood how people can get so crazy about these celebrities. I admire an artist's work too, but that's where it ends. Support the art, the work and the talent, but don't revolve your (general sense of the word) life around that person. That person does NOT know you and you don't know that person. Fans need to learn how to detach themselves from such obsession. 3) Mental health needs to have bigger importance all over the world, but particularly Asia. The stigma needs to be done away with so that people can properly seek out support. EDIT: didn't expect this to get bigger than it did. Just wanted to give some clarification. I am not a fanfic reader nor do I follow it. I don't know what was actually written. I definitely do not condone pornography and the likes. The conversation of inappropriateness is it's own topic. My comment was towards the idea that using power to control what can and cannot be said is dangerous. We've seen how censorship has affected c-dramaland (and other mediums). Quality, for one, gets stripped away. Of course, as an outsider I can't really speak on the politics. Fanfics, at its base, is a form of creative writing. Again, what is appropriate requires a different conversation. Of course these writers should not gain monetarily or write in ways that are causing defamation on anyone.

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

I agree with you 200% I'm so angry at the toxic trolls that started all of this and i hope they learned their lesson from this mess.

[@Tina-ks1kw]

I totally agree, this entire thing is crazy and mind blowing, the amount of power that fans create is scary.

[@RoseNZieg]

i agree with all three reasons. these people need help.

[@yoonmikim5663]

I think 2 and 3 are related, though. When you have a diminished idea of yourself, then you are more likely to latch on an ideal outside of yourself. If the ideal outside of yourself shatters, then it's much easier to succumb to mental health issues you might have. In another words, 2 can cover for 3 easily. As for the creators--having an outlet for expression definitely helps with 3, but when that's under threat constantly, that would make most creators feel unstable. A lot of writers I know use writing (and other creative people in general) as a way to process difficult emotions and feelings. In this way, it becomes therapy, but creators also constantly are looking for validation as well. (It's a weird balance to have if you are a creator of this type.). Taking away that ability to reach out can feel stifling. Because if you are processing something really difficult and finally getting feedback that feels validating while processing, it can be really difficult to hit that wall suddenly. There's art therapy for a reason. But working with the threat of censorship and police over ones head has to be stressful.

[@x3crissie]

1) Of everything that happens in actual Chinese politics, THIS incident is what you would use to expand on the topic of creative freedom? Talk about a slippery slope. Creative freedom is not a concept for anyone to abuse just like that. 2) Agree. But I'm not really sure what you mean by fandom because you talk about fans of celebrities... but do you know what else is definitive of a fandom? Fanfic writers. Who are the people being angry right now, and directing ire at a person who has nothing to do with all of this? Who are the people cursing the poor actor? Hmm, let's see... well, I for one am not seeing his fans doing it.

[@sempaijuly]

About Xiao Zhan: No. It was a no-win case. No matter how fast the responce, no matter what his studio would say, their post would be taken and thrown back into their faces. Xiao Zhan was sentenced from the start. To avoid confrontation was likely considered as the least harmful decision by his studio. I appreciate that such a young actor, not initially from the actor's circle was wise enough not to jump in the trap and sink in the quick sand. Or maybe he is inexperienced, maybe he was lost and angry. But he is not perfect - this news is a much needed cold bucket of water on fans' heads to chill and get real. Underaged fans are not Zhan's children. Their parents are, they must care. Adult fans are themselves responsible for their actions. Blocking AO3 was decided by the government. Everyone is treating Zhan like God who must revert time, save people and change the world, but he can not. Especially when the voice of reason no more reaches people out of touch with reality. This scandal is ridiculously similar to the Untamed episode 32, where all clans around Wei Wuxian fight each other, and he is helpless and called guilty. Poor youngsters who claim to be fans of the Untamed, forgot kindness and peace the story teaches. They are posessed by stress, hatred, and, I suppose, manipulated by social web experts, who benefit from conflicts. It is all about making money, hype and ruining actors' careers. These "crowd managers" worsen the suffering of the youth. Unforgivable. These are just my first impressions, nothing more... God bless teens, and hopefully Xiao Zhan gets out of this somehow. Thank you again for this video and your love for the Untamed dorama & leads, totally appreciated.

[@SwirlF]

You're right. The comparison to Untamed is quite chilling... once rumor and talk takes on it's own shape, nobody can stop or direct it...you can only wait for it to die out or wait for whoever is next going to be thrown under the bus to take your place.... let's just all hope that XZ has his own group of Lan Zhans who believe in him...

[@hajarzeriouli]

I need this screenshoted and printed and published in every newspaper outthere cuz damn so true.

[@Betielix]

So similar to that chapter!

[@mma3751]

Please remember this actor is 29, he is not a teenager, he is an adult. The biggest crime he made is he indulge he fans to abuse public power for personal use, to report those have different opinions. This time is ao3, next time could be any of us. THIS CAN NEVER BE FORGIVEN, #1984#

[@sherryjyj5910]

@@mma3751 ok, so you are basically saying xiao zhan fans doing something is xiao zhan doing it? are you hearing yourself? fans are NOT brainless robots. They are people who make their own decision and action. Xiao zhan should not be hold accountable for the actions of his fans, and neither should he apologize in my opinion, cuz he literally did NOTHING! Just like the children should not be held accountable for crimes of their parents. May the light shine and god bless.

[@msfruityface]

This is so sad. Xiao Zhan is getting so much black lash for something that it’s not his doing. Be good fans people.

[@joanj7617]

Fan really problematic, to be honest. They are so easy to be lead. However the authors are not innocent as well. They put the RC17 content link to social media where thousands of teenagers and even primary school students are active, in order to attract readers. It's quite unclear how, but eventually cause teenagers fight with adult writers and their readers, finally get into ugly result.

[@newname3718]

@@joanj7617 the how part, mostly likely because the RC 17 content wasn't a first person POV. If you look closely, even RC25 content don't get reported that much if that piece uses a heterosexual setting and a first people angle style of writing. This are called fanfiction And BL GL fanfiction are considered as work of creeps. If we want to rephrase it to take a more mature social problem angle, it's a majority discrimination of the minority. The snap point is "who cringe when reading the piece of work". I cringe hard when I see first POV heterosexual work with some idol despite being heterosexual myself, but I'm a minority in terms of having a reaction towards this kind of work. Most just giggled and blush. So my complaint and opinion wouldn't matter, and I developed my own resistance towards this and I just click the red cross or scrol down. On the contrary, the opposite group don't need to develop this resistance and tolerance.

[@joanj7617]

@@newname3718 No, you're completely wrong. Weibo as social media, doesn't allow any type of RC17, or RC25. Not just LGBTQ. This whole event is about disrespect and defamation of the real person, the beloved idol of the teens. It has nothing to do with fanfic. Nothing to do with LGBTQ. It is about illegally to put such content on a place where audience covers all age.

[@silviagong2340]

Ppl target xiaozhan for he " keeps silent" in this case and never lead or apologize for his fans behavior.

[@Goodmorningstar430]

Silvia Gong is that why you people going to change to now saying the main reason is because he kept silent when it was mainly because AO3 blocked and blamed his fans for mass reporting leading to them giving him unnecessary hate. Think logically. There’s no win win situation. You are not a celebrity. No one will truly be satisfy with whatever statement he releases or even make things much worst for him. Lot of celebrities stay silent in controversy or fandom wars coz that’s the best outcome. His not at fault and should not take responsibility for fans behaviour. It’s uncalled for him to receive death threat, his IG getting hacked and destroying his career for a bloody fanfic website. This whole situation is bizarre already. They are blaming the wrong person. There’s a group of people who have power and control what website they can have in their country. Seriously there’s something much worse happening in the world than this. Those people are pathetic.

[@esejsnake1503]

Short version of my comment: The actor has nothing to do with this. Why should he apologise or take a stand? He has absolutely nothing to do with the ff written about him, this shouldn't be an issue. He is not responsible for anything and he isn't OBLIGATED to defend a fandom that places him in a lot of weird sexual positions and flattens his personality untill there is only his name left. I certainly wouldn't take a positive stand against censorship in his position. What possible reason could he have to defend something like this? Fans need to take a long breath and think. What exactly should he do? Why does the fanbase think that he owes them something? He doesn't.

[@triputri2127]

Esej Snake Yes, you are right. I think it's because Xiao Zhan is a really really good & nice person.

[@fatfishwen2332]

Assume there is a kingdom. If the citizens of that kindom went berserk and invaded and destroied a lot of other countries without any proper reason, and the king said nothing about it. Are you telling me NOTHING was wrong about that king?

[@ivanr2689]

Cuz u don't know other things abt this guy. It's not the first time he or his fans do such things.

[@whatever929]

@@ivanr2689 okay his fans, but tell me actually smth bad xiaozhan has done ????? i will be waiting to see the facts where your words are based .

[@凡喵]

He has no problems on principle，so i dont think he will lose his glory.

[@CARMENbored]

no matter what, The Untamed is and will always be my favorite Chinese drama and Xiao Zhan is my favorite male Chinese actor. I was desperately searching some new dramas where Xiao Zhan is the main character ... to find this video. It breaks my heart. Some fans should have a real life and mind their own business. Fingers crossed for XZ and I hope his life and career will not be too affected. Love & Peace

[@louraninadua2776]

Same here..

[@hajielyngamboa5411]

💕

[@abalot7551]

Same. It's not even his fault

[@manjoogurung1935]

Now he has got stronger and more successful😊

[@belle225]

Can't agree more .

[@anniechan2491]

The haters are really same as the clans in The Untamed. 😡

[@TheDechen]

You gave a brilliant analysis about "who's the real villain" in The Untamed, when you outlined how the villain was the mindless collective; the dangers of mob mentality. We see this clearly being played out on the internet. I'm gutted hearing how this has affected young writers and fans... I can only imagine how Xiao Zhan must feel hearing that any of his fans are wanting to harm themselves. This is devastating on every level. 😭

[@bellawu3011]

This is why the story of the Untamed is so interesting to read, it's like a parallel universe to where we live in, however in this world there is no Wei Wuxian nor Lan Zhan😢

[@TheDechen]

@@bellawu3011 I really should see if I can download the novel in English... not sure it's available. But at least I have The Untamed w/ Eng Subs... I prefer a world where WWX and LWJ exist. For my next life, I'm shooting for a world like that. With all those handsome taoist cultivators running around. I'd want to learn from Hanguan Jun, and hang out with Wei WuXian ... yeah... that's a life to look forward to!!

[@kathythompson1764]

The English Translation of “The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” “MoDaoZuShi” is available here: exiledrebelsscanlations.com/novels/grandmaster-of-demonic-cultivation/

[@deathstorm79]

The issue with AO3 being banned in China has nothing to do with an actor regardless of the fact that it might have indeed been caused by the actions of a minority of his fans. He is a human and not some god who can control each and every individual actions of his fans. What is the point of blaming him for someone else’s action and dragging him into such mess? Some people really need to grow up!

[@LINKFORCE2011]

AO3 is not block, their sever just overload because of the link to that story is stated. anyway all this cyber bullying at this actor is already reported in their news paper. somebody have to answer for this

[@Bewunderer]

OMG you are so right !

[@LINKFORCE2011]

@@Bewunderer what i wish for now is to hope their police will investigate this. it's more serious than what we see now. there's a forum i read talks about this, the sum of money involved is very huge. thus the rival also spend big amount in this.

[@jeanabeana8818]

@Madam Lan - Exactly.

[@nathanteruna5224]

He have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to stop his fans from reporting scp foundation, cthuclu,anime,cosplay fandoms and chat groups.

[@ameliemishal9003]

I still don’t understand people hating on XZ and lowering his drama ratings.. He literally did nothing wrong at all

[@porryzhang4392]

But his fans did，adol should pay for his fans now.

[@yushi8373]

It's the Insanity that gets into their heads.

[@zestelle4276]

I guess it’s because xiao zhan is the only real name in this case, the others hide behind the screen after making a mistake, unwilling to admit it. Maybe xiao zhan's fans did something wrong, but he should not be held responsible. He has done a great job as an actor and singer. He is not a teacher or parent of his fans. He can't teach tens of millions of fans what to do. Adults are expected to take responsibility for their actions, not blame the innocent.

[@iwaiiwai3033]

Nor anything right.

[@shufenzhao2523]

@@porryzhang4392 or even not his fans but someone who pretends to be his fans.

[@hyceate-p]

I don't know how Xiao Zhan's studio can truly act in this situation. Almost nothing will satisfy the masses. Only if ao3 is brought back in China will things actually calm down imho, but that's asking for a miracle. I am so sad about this entire thing. I really hope those people affected heavily by this will be able to recover. Thank you for the information.

[@alinat1900]

I hope all the fans，Xiaozhan's and others'，don' t go so crazy and keep rational after this. I am tired of those crazy fans keep posting their idols everywhere even the tags and topics have nothing to so with their idols.

[@vaishnavidongre5548]

Xiao zhan's studio has apologized on weibo even though it was no fault of his. They have tried to calm down the situation but many people are enraged. Xiao zhan is blamed for something his fans did and it is disheartening to know that he is getting death threats and his works are being downrated by many people.

[@NgocMinh-bj2cl]

@@vaishnavidongre5548 His studio apologized about getting too much attention on him when China is in a outbreak but say nothing about AO3, bilibili and lofter. So obviously, for people lost many things because of this matter, that apology isn't accepted.

[@vaishnavidongre5548]

@@NgocMinh-bj2cl ohh okay

[@lisa_notblackpinkone402]

@@vaishnavidongre5548 from Maharashtra??

[@EloiseInParis]

Schools being closed is definitely adding fuel to the fire. Kids are going stir crazy and getting depressed from being inside all day and not interacting with people in person.

[@prisicil2794]

Oh this makes a lot of sense

[@yongyuebeh1616]

Goes to show how important social interaction is. People go crazy when they're alone.

[@silviagong2340]

Priscilla Widarto coronavirus may help a little but definitely not the main reason. Xiaozhan's fans are one of the craziest fan group in china. For example they once reported a professor( dr. Ning yan, prof at Princeton and tsinghua uni.) academic fraud simply because she refused to watch the tv drama that xiaozhan filmed.... his fans really like to report anything that they dislike

[@meedyy99]

_when you're on 2 month semester break and everyones on vacation so you're home but how come you havent gone crazy?_

[@rosesblue1218]

yes that makes sense

[@dididogster9994]

“How did your career end” “The fanfiction got too spicy.”

[@upondlite]

This is just absolutely unfair to Xiao Zhan. I'm so disappointed in immature people. This whole ideal is so ridiculous! 😑

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Yuqin Fu well I’m chinese and I believe in his sincerity. He’s not perfect but he is still a victim.

[@AnnaIsAnnaSpeltBackwards]

This whole thing is a mess but I don't think Xiao Zhan deserves all this hate. He's the nicest, kindest person on earth but his fandom however are a huge bully. I've only been in the fandom for like 3 months but I've seen how his fandom bullies fanartists to the point of them deleting the account they've had for over 10 years and fanfic writers. They even bully CP fans.

[@weixing3094]

When you use the word "deserve"， I would say responsibility should lie with rights, a general question for eveyone in this world: do a celebrity has the right to order his fans to do or not to do something? I am not talking about influence but right. Can We say a celebrity is guilty if they did not stop his/her fans doing something bad?

[@AnnaIsAnnaSpeltBackwards]

@@weixing3094 Is he in a position to say anything at this point? Saying something and not saying anything will warrant him hate either way. Can he say anything against government's decision?

[@weixing3094]

Anna SilverSea I thought you you are the one to blame Xiao Zhan as you used the word "deserve", that is a very heavy word. But it seems you are not. I am more on the side that he is innocent to this. I am not blaming Xiao Zhan, but just providing a PR solution. What he could do is saying "I am open to all kinds fan maded things, people who love me do not need to attack each other when you have different ideas". This can bypass anything about the censorship itself and relieve the intense in this fight.

[@AnnaIsAnnaSpeltBackwards]

@@weixing3094 What I meant is that the hate he is getting now is misdirected at him. I am not and will not blame him for what the fandom caused

[@iamnyssaki]

@@weixing3094 Do you really think, that by issuing a PR statement Xz can prevent AO3 being blocked? People who can hate to the degree of reporting strangers to the government censorship would not stop by your PR suggestion. If anything they'd be angry that Xz himself isn't supporting THEM, because in their mind they are protecting HIM by reporting works like the one mentioned. No matter what he said would cause uproar on either side. Many has pointed this out already. Xz is scapegoat.

[@Cuppycakequeen4444]

This whole situation is sad and scary and so so unnecessary. I worry for Xiao Zhan, who is truly innocent in all this, and hope so much that not only his career and livelihood remain stable after all this, but that he himself is not blaming himself or feeling guilty over the decisions and actions of other people. The emotional toll this could be taking on him is staggering. The Chinese people are dealing with enough right now with the Coronavirus. They really don’t need to be dealing with this completely ridiculous shit-storm.

[@kabikshum1003]

xiaozhan is not innocent！！！he knew it, he kept silent when his fans started to attack the writers. and his company even tried to suppress the comments from AO3's users！！！

[@kabikshum1003]

actually its xiao zhan's fans first went to some fiction website and scored extremely low to those bl writers

[@宋思言-u9l]

@@kabikshum1003 哈哈哈哈老铁我顶你

[@松鼠黍]

No, he is not innocent. He knew everything and chose to say nothing.

[@Xuchan1108]

Actually I think Xiaozhan knows. Because on 27 - 28. February there was a hashtag about this situation that became no.1 hot search on weibo. But then it disappeared. To do that the star and his co-worker must pay Weibo money (Paying Sina and Weibo money to make hot search disappear is something really normal that all stars can do)

[@sayingzhang5722]

Reading through the comments here I feel so relieved that people here are much more rational. Reporting is really a bad thing and it is sad that people in China are loosing another freedom. But blaming one actor for this is ridiculous. It is the government who is encouraging this reporting behavior and taking away people's freedom to write, create and speak. This is such a political topic - freedom to create and so called "curbing pornographic contents on internet".

[@qaq9319]

Xiao zhan fans are crazy to report ao3. If the government ignored their compliaints, they would complain of the government irresponsibility. The government dealt with this, in order to reduce their negative influence on Xiaozhan, they actually blamed the government for restricting others freedom. How difficult the Chinese government is! No matter what government does will be said to be wrong. The behavior of Xiao Zhan fans is disgusting.

[@suhadip]

I agree. There are so many people "at fault" for the ban, but literally the only person completely innocent is Xiao Zhan himself. It's awful.

[@qaq9319]

@Lanny Chew It is indeed that some pornographic novels in ao3 therefore government doesn't need to wait for an opportunity.The fact is that the government was never banned ao3 before this happened. In China Xiao zhan has a very large number of fans and everyone report it many times so it's not a small complaint. Now ao3 can be used again and the ao3 official weibo is still abused by a large number of private messages from Xiao zhan fans.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

QAQ敲里喵喵 ao3 was banned and there’s nothing xiao Zhan could do about it. Since the government decided it contained illegal content, then it should be banned according the law. That is still not xiao zhan’s fault.

[@vwoeng7477]

@Lanny Chew bro, they are not "small amount of people". You do realize that a mere 2% of Chinese population is 28 fucking million, right? Imagine that amount of people being pissed at the government merely because they won't ban a fanfic site? Small amount of people in China is often a size of a city in America, can you imagine that amount of people going bonkers?

[@mjeol]

No matter how I look at this situation, it's terrible that someone can report someone else to the 'internet police' who then have the power to block content to an entire country. Cleaning the internet?? Uh no. I will never be for that. Poor Xiao Zhan. He doesn't deserve this.

[@weixing3094]

The biggest problem is in China it is illegal to spread erotic contents even if it's fictional. That is the reason why some novel websites are banned just the same as Pornhub. So the authorities cannot simply ignore these reports in this case, otherwise they will be called double standarded. There needs a mind shift in the system to partially open this kind of staffs.

[@anitazhang6253]

Unfortunately “cleaning the internet “ comes once for a while in China. I don’t like that either, every time during the cleaning event a lot of fictions I love cannot be read. But I am so sorry and sad for Xiaozhan, he is a good actor and singer

[@joanj7617]

Problem is the group is teenagers, and they are not report person, rather, the specific novel with full of RC17 content which using their idols' name and pictured as a women fetish with sexual disorder and work as prostitute, have unclear relationship with another teen, name comes from the other main actor of the untamed, shows up on the social media where teenagers even primary school students are active. Such event is lost control and eventually attracts censor system and caused whole AO3 being blocked.

[@mjeol]

​@@weixing3094 p0rnh_b is an adult website right? If the entire United States blocked off access to all citizens because a few bad a$$, unsupervised teens under 18 got access to it, there would be outrage. It can't be that an entire country loses access to something because of a few bad a$$, unsupervised teenagers. Let the combination of the website administrators and the parents take the responsibility for this. It can't be in the hands of 'the internet police'. That's setting a terrible precedent.

[@weixing3094]

mjeol Sorry, in China it is not banned because its contains ADULT ONLY contents, it is because it contains TOTALLY ILLEGAL contents. Porns are consided to be improper not only to children but also to adults. So it is not something about a few bad ass. In practical people watch tons of porns. So the core problem is treating sex related industries illegal while ignoring people's actual needs.

[@yuuwithhobi7]

I believe a lot of international fans don't really understand the toxicity of the Chinese fandom, as someone that is fluent in Chinese, I will try to explain to ya'll what's the current situation on Weibo and Bilibili, aka two of the most famous social platforms in China. In all honesty, there's a lot of cultural differences that I think international fans can't understand, but I'll give a few examples by representing some of KZbin's most representative words or culture. 227 squad = cancel culture To let you guys know how toxic the whole 227 squad is, it's more toxic than cancel culture. I've seen people wanting Xiao Zhan to die and curse his whole family to burn in hell. Even though Xiao Zhan apologised and the company gave an official statement, people still hate on him, till this day, after this whole drama started months for now. Besides that, some people decided to act as Xiao Zhan fans and report some fanfictions, then claimed that it's Xiao Zhan fans who reported them. The 227 squad is still active and keep putting up "evidence" that Xiao Zhan is a bad guy by his words when he's not famous. Quite ironic they started this for AO3's justice then started to actually curse people to die by their past actions, and not considering Xiao Zhan as a person now, donating money and helping. "路人缘/路人" The passerby = people that took no interest in a topic but was attracted, "路人缘" means how the content will attract people's interest, either they will say high or low. This might be a little confusing and basically no one in the KZbin culture will ever experience this (because this only exists in Chinese fandoms), but it's really important for the idols, artists and public figures in China. A lot of these "passerby" aren't really passerby that took interest on the topic, some of them are from the 227 squad. Some of the passersby are real though, but I doubt many of them are not affected by Xiao Zhan before, they probably know about this drama already. 肖战必糊 = Xiao Zhan will have a dead career. This is quite obvious from what it is, an awful joke and insult to be honest, it's like how a 12 year old will make an "offensive" joke about. Let's talk about my own opinion on this. I saw a lot of authors and creators keep doing their own fanfictions and art about Yibo and Xiao Zhan, they seemed not be really affected by the whole drama, in which I'm grateful and happy to see, but some of them are sad that creativity is not allowed anymore and that Xiao Zhan fans are being to mean and disgusting, and I agree too. However, it's the people that never did fanfictions or even have a connection with the fandom being angry over him. Let's gonna be honest, China bans a lot of apps, it's not even shocking anymore, AO3 as an app that might contain homosexual content in which China is not really welcoming to that topic, people should know that their country will take action about it one day. What I found pathetic about this whole situation is how narrow the Chinese netizens think about themselves then forget Xiao Zhan is a person that can breathe and will get hurt. They are extremely inconsiderate, delusional and take idols as a product. In every post you see about 227 situation, it's all about how hurt the authors are and how they are disappointed, saying that they want to die or over exaggerated. I mean, I used to be a Wattpad writer and I had my own book taken down because of a report from a homophobic, I was angry but I didn't cut myself for dear sakes, you know you can save your chapters if something happens, but this isn't the real problem. For the disappointed authors that their fanfictions got taken down, I know your troubles having problems with people that randomly report your book and you're not even sure if it's the Xiao Zhan fans or haters from 227 squad, making it even worse to decide who is right and wrong. This is a no win situation, damage will be made for everyone and the most damage made is towards Xiao Zhan, the person that did nothing. Don't say about he used to say bad things as a defense after me, that was when he's not famous, and when he was hold carefully in ya'll Chinese netizens love and cherish, it doesn't seem you guys care about it. Plus, some famous artists used to say bad things before, and you guys never make a big news about it. Double standards much? Even if Xiao Zhan decided to make a statement about it, what should he say? "I totally support people writing lewd things about me and portrayed me as a gay guy"? And if so, the immature fans will get even more worse, same goes 227 squad saying that Xiao Zhan is denying everything. Although everyone of you wanted an apologize, but if the artist themselves actually did so, you guys will change another way and say "that's not enough". None of Chinese netizens wanted the truth, they just want the drama. Chinese netizens had been doing these things for decades, hating people randomly. One of the most famous case other than Xiao Zhan's is the Cai Xukun basketball situation, in which the poor guy got hate because he gloat about his skills in basketball, and everyone hated on him. This drama went on for 2 years straight, it all started out as a joke, but people use this joke to hate on him, accused him for plagiarism that isn't really proof or plagiarism. Now? After YWY season 2 was out, he said:" You sure your speciality is playing basketball? Well, at least don't do the same mistake as I did 2 years ago when I lied about my basketball skills were great." towards a female participant while reading her information. That made him not the most hated celebrity on the Chinese platform anymore, because of this one sentence, out of playing basketball. 2 years, who's going to say sorry to him? The hypocrites that mass hated him then complimented his gentleness although he has always been gentle? Xiao Zhan is the current victim of Chinese platform mass hating "program". Some years later when this is all forgotten, people will then say that he "changed" and became a better version of himself, yeah right. There's a comment I saw on a video that I liked a lot:" 在国内你只有一次犯错全网就会跟风黑你，然而在墙外大家看的是现在为人的你。" "In Chinese platform you only did something wrong and everyone will hate you, but in other platforms everyone sees the person you are now, not the past." To the people that cursed others to die and used your anonymous account to hate on idols, artists, singers that did nothing wrong, you are a disgusting person.

[@roseline8268]

Thankyou for posting this. Your comment is by far the most accurate one to sum up things. People honestly forget that idols are also ppl. If this doesn't stop soon they would bully someone to suicide and still not be remorseful. Hopefully no one else will go through shit like this again.

[@sajiaalice2320]

well said.. as I'm an international fan of xiao jhan i really support him.. but i still didn't get the point.. what is his fault?? why he is suffering?

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Sajia Alice he’s suffering because of what other people did under his name. He doesn’t deserve the hate.

[@sajiaalice2320]

@@triplea_qgb1963 exactly.. he is such a nice & pure guy... I'm really feeling very much sad for him..

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Sajia Alice I’ve been feeling sad and stressed for him since June. I became a fan of him very late and only found out about the ao3 and 227 case after I finished The Untamed. I’m still horrified by everything..

[@MinPDLandlord]

Dear, don’t let the hate effect you. You did your best to inform people about all this information. Thank you for effort in making this video so quick. Fighting!

[@RoseRose-vf9uk]

Isn't it a responsibility of parents to teach their children how to lead a good life? If you can't guide your child well, but the child has an idol, then all the burden is lifted from your shoulders? Nice. For all the people preaching about idol's responsibility, can you raise your own kids to be good people, to contribute to society and not be toxic bullies? Even if you have one or two kids, there's no guarantee that they will be decent people in the future, so now try to imagine having milions of them. It's always easy to shout justice if you're just a bystander and there's no way for you to walk in the other person's shoes. Don't be hypocrites.

[@rulialee9802]

The people who started this was in her 20s. Even the strictest parents won't have enough influence as the idol they revolve around. These fans are able to spend a large amount on his endorsement products, he could've just stepped out and said something when PEOPLE'S LIVES are involved. I doubt he or his team doesn't know what's happening. He recently lost his grandfather, so he must understand how heartbreaking it is to lose your loved ones. The writers are people too, they have families, friends who will mourn their deaths, so why won't he do something when things get this serious. It's not about a couple of fanfics anymore, it's about the mental health, safety, privacy of others.

[@hekimeti1614]

@@rulialee9802 you do realize that all of this reporting is legal in China. It is legal to censor people. He can't just come out and speak against his government in a country that censors and makes people disappear with no hardship at all. Xiao Zhan never pointed his fans to the fanfiction, he is not their parent, he does not have access to their accounts and he has no control over what they do.

[@aspouka]

@@rulialee9802 But it's not his job to scold people like they are bad children, his job is to entertain. This is why fans support their idols, because they like what they do and want to see more. It's not his job to control his fans, they are adults who need to take responsibility for THEIR actions. If they are not adults it's their parents problem. In any case it's literally not his responsibility to babysit these people or take the blame. If Beyonce's fans burn down a building because the are fighting each other, is it Beyonce's fault for not telling them to stop? We are all responsible for our own actions.

[@isabelliu4447]

@@aspouka I do feel like he does not deserve these bad remarks he is having now. However, I do understand why they feel like it is Xiao's responsibility to calm them down. There is a tag in China weeks before called "Idol's losing voices". I know it sounds crazy but under this fandom culture, as an Idol, he is supposed to spread good virtues of himself. Idols in China, not as Beyonce, earn their money not only by their songs and dramas, but also because of the support of his fans. The relationship between fans and idols are closer, i.e.they can get famous, has resources and get rich because of their fans. And most importantly, the reason of these fans spending money on him is not only because they like his works, but they like him as a person(they like his characters, his politeness etc.). Under this setup, Idol himself and his virtue are really the selling points which is quite different from that of a singer. I would not say he is definitely responsible for his fans' action because I personally don't think a job like Idol should exist, but I understand why people are angry about him under the setup.

[@aspouka]

@@isabelliu4447 I understand what you mean, the relationship there is probably different between idols and fans. It just seems like too much pressure to put on a person, especially the younger ones, and too much 'importance', he's just a man, a very talented one, but still he's just a person. I worry because of what has been happening lately with the kpop stars, all the pressure and online bullying, so many people got hurt.. Anyway I just hope he's doing ok and the whole thing calms down soon..

[@blissfultime327]

It is so sad and really depressing to think how someone can ruin someone's life like that. I like The Untamed, the story, the characters and everything about it. Poor Xiao Zhan has become the victim of this so called fandom fanatics. My prayer goes to XZ; may he stay strong and overcome this pandemonium in the internet especially in China caused by an irresponsible person or group. And may this chaos be resolved soon . God bless you, Xiao Zhan. Love from Philippines.

[@malihamehjabin6335]

Please rate Xiao Zhan's all work to full star to counterattack the antis malicious low rating. Help him and support his work. m.imdb.com/name/nm9751810/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl19 You can only give a user once You can also sign up with your facebook account. Also available with google. You can change your account for gmail. Sign up / log out as much as you have gmail.

[@Jemythical]

You're right... Xiao Zhan who in addition seems to be such a loving being. I cannot imagine how this affect him, he must feel so bad about this while none of it is his fault... I strongly hope these young people will be taken care of also. It's so sad to see how far it had came to only for this kind of matter... We should talk about this and warn the youngers to avoid these kinds of problems. Let's hope something like this never happens again and that things will be implemented in prevention... To all people receiving bad messages on the internet about fanfiction or else : Just talk, you're not alone, don't let unknown people attain you at this extent, you do nothing wrong, just know that one day it'll be better. To all people sending bad messages on the internet about anything : Just breath and stop, they did nothing wrong, it hurts them, it hurt you, you can do so much things better, put yourself in their shoes, how would you feel if what you do was done to you ? So be kind please and take care of you ! You are all better than this ♥ Love you ♥ Thank you AvenueX ♥

[@blissfultime327]

@@Jemythical Very well said. Let's pray for these young people. Please be strong and take care. Tomorrow will be better than today. Let us spread positive vibes to all.

[@starlittle8084]

I don't think he is innocent,he must pay for his silence.Imaging you play a game,and suddenly you can't.His foolish fans ruined my happiness.As a idol he don't instruct his fans do anything correct and only keep silence,he need to be responsible for his deeds. By the way,before this accident I almost don't care it and don't know what he do.But now,his silence destroies the freedom of creation!

[@Jemythical]

@@starlittle8084 I fear I misunderstood you. You think Xiao Zhan is responsible in some way ?

[@martinelaurent6837]

I am mostly really sad for xiao zhan, a human being shouldn't go through this much pressure because people decided to vent their anger on him. He's literally one of the most respectful and warm person I have ever seen in interviews. He deserves the least what is happening and right now when I watch him smile in the untamed my heart breaks because someone that can smile like that is only a really really good and innocent person. The internet violence has reached heights that I had yet to discover

[@cabbage523]

Martine Laurent One thing you need to know is that the reason it got so big is because their team intervened. He is not innocent. As early as it started, his team began to control the entries on WeiBo to prevent others from discussing the issue. So from his fans to report AO3, he has known about this matter. But he didn't say anything, and he quietly let his fans do their thing. After provoking outrage from readers and authors, he has yet to speak out. It wasn't until a reader came forward and called for people to stop buying his products that he issued a half-hearted apology. However, in this statement, you can't find an apology to the reader or the author. The entire apology letter is to express his regret for taking up Internet traffic.

[@cabbage523]

I can totally suspect that he wanted to get more traffic through the contradiction, but he didn't expect it to get out of hand.

[@mesliu2772]

白菜Cabbage 別争啦，反正他们哥哥最惨。和他们气什么呢，反正他们在这说支持也没啥shiji作用。他粉丝那么多，嘴上说不过的。我们就安安心心打持久战，拒絕代言，岠絕看琮兿電視涺。

[@mesliu2772]

白菜Cabbage 之前在一条下说彵們滒滒一点也芣 innocent，还被骂是拿了钱的bot，行吧。（火星文保护）

[@galaxyp.7351]

@@cabbage523 if he tries to speak out he'll easily lose his career, everyone seems to be against him, that'll do a lot of damage to his mental health, and you never know what's going to happen next.

[@kierbaudy]

Thank you for explaining what happened. Social media is a double edged sword, on the one hand we are connected to the world community and on the other, we are all very isolated because social interactions are no longer necessary. I personally think Xiao zhan is a very nice person, but he’s in a business of cut throats and the hotter he gets, the more irrational things become. Hopefully things get better from here on. I appreciate you bringing up need for more mental health services.

[@karlamartin1799]

I'm an avid reader in Ao3, and I would have never ever in my life imagined that a fanfiction, that has nothing to do with the actual person/actor/character, could have affected someone's life. Xiao Zhan, has nothing to do with this, and yet he is paying for it. Ao3, has its tags and warnings, and most authors give clear insight to what will takes place in their work, including mature content. I'm sorry that this has happened. I don't know what I would do without Ao3, I do know this however, I would not target an innocent party, because I have lost something I love. Why would I want to make other people feel like that? No one wins.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

People who spend too much time in fanfiction have some issues in my opinion. Those who become obsessed/infatuated with celebrities especially. Sadly, this costed Xiao Zhan almost everything.

[@edpolloso783]

This is suffocating. My heart breaks for xiao zhan who's like a child trapped in a burning building. My heart breaks even more for the writers who were burnt alive a few steps away from the exit points but can't seem to get out. Ugh, and to think hellfire was brought on by some close-minded stupidity. Aaaaaaarrrrrgggh, how far worse can this media censorship get?!

[@minahiljanna2945]

I am very sad and hurt my heart is broken for Xiao Zhan . He doesn't deserve this mess he is a lovely person, one of my favorite actor, his professionalism and elegant is unique. I feel depressing to thinks about this people in the world hate patients who do not respect the freedom of others' private lives. My prayers to Zhan so that this nightmare ends and you can have your normal and free life. God Bless you Zhan you are an Angel of light 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💐💐💐💐💐💐💐🌸💐💐💐💐💐💐🌸🌸

[@rocketjohnson417]

@@minahiljanna2945 I'm chinese, I just back to China 4days and guess what? I found ao3 is banned and lots of website is banned too, and the reason is some bitch use the xhinese network rules to attack these thing, and u know what, they use the real bot to make Xiao to be the No1 in every website, I started confuse, the fans said the ao3 problem is the country not them... well next time when I play with their mom i got the reason, hey it not my problem, it the country, it's the world, and the most ballshit thing is almost nobody of my friends know who XiaoZhan is, and the Nobody just use his fans attack the all outaku network

[@jeffalbertson4471]

For the first time I like an actor from China who gives his heart for everything and helps wherever he can. The day before yesterday he was still the angel on earth and now? How old are these crazy fans? Did the virus go to your head? How can you do this to XZ? Please dear God, let it rain brain !!!!

[@jeffalbertson4471]

It is very interesting to see that the corona virus means that a lot of people on this planet are now unable to find any more leisure activities than to comment on negative headlines. THIS VIDEO SHOULD BE DELETED! It incites all people against one person. ARE YOU STILL NOTING IT ?! There has been no evidence so far, why are you all getting upset? Protect your nerves! Grab a book and read or make music, so you don't hurt anyone. Your comments whether he is gay or not, what does that concern you? I do not think it's bad! I just say live and let love! ☮🌍🍀🕊✌❤

[@bellawu3011]

@@jeffalbertson4471 instead of solving the problem, solve the person that brought up the problem. Is that your logic? You think deleting this video, and masking the event like it never happened before would work? That's ridiculous. If we overlook this event, this toxic shit show would occur time and again in the future!

[@jeffalbertson4471]

@@bellawu3011 My comment does not refer to your video, but to the different comments below the video. You may not have noticed that many contemptuous comments have been written that are already below the belt. That's why I wrote it. I hope you understand me better now ?! The only thing I want is peace. Forgive me, my english is not that good! Stay healthy! 🍀

[@adrianong1374]

Yes, I feel that people are just too sensitive about fanfic, if they dont like just ignore and move on....why drag everyone else and make war with other fandoms and reflects badly on the artist himself, which he is so innocently dragged into it...

[@kiraini9925]

I'm agreed with you, I personally don't like any fanfic Sexualizing wang yibo and Xiao Zhan, but I just show my disagreement by don't give a like or a heart or a comment, people don't need to be harsh with this artists, everyone is different and has their own opinions..... Netizens have such a bad communication culture.....so sad about it....

[@Einlehrer_]

People nowadays just got triggered easily. That's why I got worried everytime I see fanfiction that use real people in it. Fandom war is a scary thing because the one that will receives most of the backlash isn't the fandom but the actor/artist that the fandom belonged to. That's the reason I been avoiding any fanfic that relate to real people and stick to anime, manga or novel related fanfic.. I just hope XZ is okay. He didn't even have anything to do with this but got dragged in anyway.. (´；ω；｀)

[@kabikshum1003]

xiaozhan is not innocent！！！he knew it, he kept silent when his fans started to attack the writers. and his company even tried to suppress the comments of AO3's users！！！

[@maimee2angel]

@@kabikshum1003 what you expect him to do? It's sort of between fans

[@maimee2angel]

i mean in the beginning

[@violetta698]

I get the outrage over ao3 being shut down. What I don't get is why that outrage is directed towards Xiao Zhan, the actor, who had literally NOTHING to do with the whole thing. If reporting the fic is what caused this whole mess, those two fans who did so are the ones responsible. This is what fandom "culture" misses - the boundary between the actions of the celeb and the actions of their fans. There is absolutely no reason why Xiao Zhan should be held accountable for the actions of two fans which he KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. Rating his dramas poorly will emotionally affect his fans, yes, but you're also sending hate and trying to ruin the career of an innocent man. Who is the one you're actually affecting with your actions? Is it the true perpetrator or a figurehead that you conveniently decided to replace them with? I'm sorry but I cannot see ANY reason why he or his studio would need to make a comment. They're not the ones who were reporting fanfics. Their "inaction" is expected and completely justified - the most they could do is separate themselves from the situation, and even that would be tricky. If the govt is shutting down a website and the public is strongly against it, it puts public figures in a difficult position. I get that people are too angry to be considerate at this point but sending Xiao Zhan hate over this is misdirected anger. Two idiots reported a fanfic. The govt shut the website down. You cannot hold Xiao Zhan responsible for that.

[@asj685]

Comments from AO3 groups claim he knew what his fans were doing and should've stopped them. Some even made ludicrous accusations that he was 'controlling' his fans' actions, but acting innocent. They also attacked him for racism and being a phony. This group is no less irrational and low as the extremist XZ fan girls.

[@Olga1983]

When they lower the ratings of his shows/films; it doesn’t just affect him but every person in those productions. That’s the part they don’t seem to get. So they’re attacking many ppl and what happens if those ppl get their lawyers involved? It becomes even more of a mess.

[@violetta698]

@@Olga1983 THIS. You're affecting the careers of a lot of people over the actions of people they don't even KNOW. What's the point of this irrational hate?

[@violetta698]

@@asj685 They're honestly as bad, maybe even worse than the XZ fans they are against. How tf do they expect XZ to "control" his fans? Hell, why is he expected to even know about this? I doubt he goes around reading fanfics about himself. This is so fvcking irrational.

[@asj685]

@@violetta698 These people are unspeakably vicious. According to their blogs on weibo, they have a planned strategy to destroy his reputation and career. Brands have already dropped him from ads due to threats from AO3, and producers are under pressure of boycott if they hire XZ. They've also hijacked his social media and made comments to fool non-Chinese fans into thinking he died of the virus. It's unbelievable!

[@RoseNZieg]

people crapping on xiao zhan's work are just like the people who started this thing in the first place. if this was satire i would have believed it but hey as the saying goes...reality is stranger than fiction.

[@santo9139]

Why bad things only happens to the good n kindest ppls.. my heart is breking for xiao zhan 😢💔

[@taekook.aficionado]

Mine too...

[@santo9139]

@Yuqin Fu so you know him in person!!!?

[@santo9139]

@Yuqin Fu yup he deserves this..!! And he is deserving all fans love and support..❤

[@santo9139]

@Yuqin Fu keep spreading rumours u r good at it..!! ;)

[@taekook.aficionado]

@Yuqin Fu so wats going on?!!🤨

[@autumnrose3943]

I feel for Xiao Zhan. He is innocent in all this. The fandom culture is scary.

[@jackie2306]

It makes me so sad to see such a toxic fandom for such a pure actor

[@artistevivien]

I’m going to get downvoted for this but the fandom gives me female-incel vibes..,

[@meiguang9240]

Can we all agree that it isn't xiao Zhan's fault? It's just the crazy fandoms. Like it was said in the video, youngsters these days have no real control over what they say especially on the internet, and it can have drastic consequences. The Ao3 users whose accounts were blocked and the readers' too who can't access it without VPN, everyone's life is affected. It's sad to see this happening as an international fan. China is already going through this virus outbreak and they really didn't need to get this upon themselves. Even the "authorities" should investigate the whole matter properly and should've somehow managed it without blowing this up. This will definitely take a while to cool down and unfortunately things won't be the same after this. This is one reason I don't like to be a part of fandoms.

[@sajiaalice2320]

could u tell me what's going on?? who is framing up xiao jhan?? what happened?? who is this weibo?? what she has done to xiao jhan? & why people got angry & went against xiao jhan?.. can anybody explain kindly? i really don't understand

[@monsterbaek1648]

Same I hate fandom childish delulu new fans are really that obsess n annoying:/

[@meiguang9240]

@@monsterbaek1648 ikr, the way they hate on people who are not into what they're into

[@auroragb]

I'm sorry to hear people have tried to take their lives. I wish people would just focus on what they like and ignore what they hate rather than trolling

[@Einlehrer_]

AO3 is probably a safe heaven for those people that tried to take their lives. With how the virus and stuff happening in China. I'm sure AO3 is the only place they could truly relax. And I agree. Why can't people just ignore something they dislike? See how their action make thing worsen.. I truly pity XZ he didn't do anything wrong, but hater still went after him..

[@lisa_notblackpinkone402]

Exactly my point 😔

[@jerryfeng871]

In fact,we can’t stand AO3 event

[@hajarzeriouli]

let us honestly talk: The reason why Xiao Zhan is attacked is because they needed someone to pour their anger into AND the best way to get to a fandom is by attacking the idol. So, I am glad he didn't apologize, because if he did, XZ fans would be more mad and things will go bad AND the CP fans will be more hated and bullied (it will seriously make the image of a cp fan even worse). OR it will anger the CP fans if it is not said properly so the XZ will be more attacked. There are no winners when there are people benefiting from everybody's pain to have fun cyberbullying an idol or a celebrity. The incident happened side by side but AO3 was going to be taken down eventually. A website that allows Mature and explicit rating is not going to pass China's regulations. I hope I could say that to those people hurt that AO3 was down that it is not on XZ fandom only, tons of fics get reported or flooded with negative mail by people who either don't ship their idol with a man or don't ship two men outside of their known ship. The website was going to be restricted guys, the number of Chinese mature stories from all fandoms is enough to make China block the access. I hope the shippers and the only fans would know that the issue is not blowing up becuz of the attack on that fic but because the antis are using their pain to hurt an idol. This is their way of fun. This is their satisfaction and they are manipulating your emotions for their gain, so don't fall for it. People should be more emotionally aware of what the negative articles are trying to do to them. I am a victim of depression. I would depress further if I lose my AFF and AO3 acc so I understand but I know there are ways! maybe use Google docs? or the alternatives? only share links without keywords so that the censorship don't reach you? There are ways! don't worry! You will all find a way! Chinese fans, Cheer up ^_^

[@jraise2760]

Finally someone who actually looks into what's happening. We are past the defensive lane now, no one wants to reason. XZ has been sacrificed, I don't know how he will get out of this. Am a xfx, since July there has been all attacks on him, we have always known they want to take him down but I never thought we will be the sword to draw his blood. We were caught off guard and caused him a lot of pain , no amount of apology will make up for this. Writing fan fic about real people has rules... Don't make money out of it.... Don't let the person you write about see your writing. This account did not only share her work on a public platform but also tagged the real Idols names on the post. For XZ himself no longer uses Weibo for his personal interactions, he use Oasis for his silly drawings and Weibo for business. People are saying if don't like a fic close your eyes, I would if it the fic actually has fic characters, even people who write biography seeks consent before sharing with the public. Was reporting a good Idea after all... No but from what I know the fans who reported, reported the account to Weibo following Weibo regulations. A03 users have known since last , even back in 2018 that they would probably be shut down, they issued a statement saying "they don't sensor content so long as it is guarded by articles of US Constitution". Everything falling into place just to implicate this boy who is just home probably wishing he could get out and work, he is being dragged for censorship but none of these cowards wanna question those in charge. Where was this outrage when an author was sentenced to 15yrs in prison for his works. This misplaced anger and avoiding of the real problem is heartbreaking. They are attacking works he is been on but isn't just an actor??, These projects have other 100s of fellow creative artist, writers who put in a lot of work..like...am so tired

[@joanj7617]

Unfortunately, he is forced to apologize once already. Now the crazy AO3 fans ask Xiaozhan to undo the censorship or to be buried. Their threaten caused some of the teen fans try to commit a suicide just a minute ago.

[@hajarzeriouli]

@@joanj7617 omg he did??? Why? Now AO3 will all be seen under the same light considering it will reach the ears of the public which already see fanfic writers under a bad light. Damn they don't truly want to calm the issue

[@hajarzeriouli]

@@jraise2760 i feel u! I am tired too. Now we can only fight back against the antis who is hurting Xz by raising the rates if we can. I don't have weibo and idk how to get access to the websites where the dramas are rated We need to fight with love. Not with hate. AO3 fans will realize sooner or later that they were led by XZ antis we just need to hold on for a while.

[@joanj7617]

​@@hajarzeriouli Well, these are young kids, Things getting so ugly, it's not a surprise to me that some kids cannot properly handle any more. The whole mess started from two fan group fighting, has to ended with two groups apologize to each other. After that, AO3 general users, can just ignore them. They will find their new home any way. If not, I am afraid Xiaozhan will be destroyed by these fans, claim to admire him.

[@lwagner1723]

Thank you for explaining the situation to us. How sad that all of this has happened and that Xiao Zhan's career is being tarnish by something he has no control over.

[@lmao_ok2539]

Coming bac to this video after a yr and looking at the comments telling the XZ is done for I feel happy that XZ is bac and stronger

[@HanQ28]

5:21 Shakespeare and every great author ever existed on this planet would be crying in their graves, if depictions of immorality were not allowed in literature.

[@captainteeko4579]

JLhannah24 the BIBLE wouldn’t exist and other works of religious texts LOL

[@Tapfer13]

I am already fifty years old (so old :)) and have been writing and reading fan fictions for many years (also on AO3). I find it sad that the platform has been blocked. But I'm angry. What did the young man do wrong? Nothing! Why don't people in his country use their brains? What a witch hunt. Dreadful.

[@jerryfeng871]

The wrong is his fans,just like you

[@justinaho4928]

but their fans initiated a witch hunt on fanfics way before the witch hunt for xiao zhan began. the authors that had to deal with their work being completely destroyed and personally attacked by xiao zhan's fans are understandably angry. the fans then went on to lash out at completely unrelated people and other platforms that also wrote or contained fanfics. i feel like xiao zhan at least owes to them a personal apology for borderline encouraging his fans to do whatever they want.

[@Tapfer13]

@@jerryfeng871 Young girl or boy! Stay calm! :) I'm just a mother (50 years ! ) Not a fan. And I come from another country. And we learn in our country: bullying is wrong. I am a human ! XZ is a human! Bullies are not human!

[@Tapfer13]

@@justinaho4928 Young girl or boy! Stay calm! :) You judge an innocent. They are not looking for the real culprit. You are looking for a scapegoat. And I'm so sorry Many people around the world don't understand all of this. We have learned a lot about bullying in the past two weeks. People write hate comments. It is terrible. Inhuman.

[@livainyangnyang6294]

@@justinaho4928 how is he encouraging though. He might not even pay attention to that aspect of his fandom. Plus people dont listen anyways. This is absolutely crazy

[@jhjuu9576]

This reminds me of Untamed in EP31: XZ:Wei wuxian Authority: Jin clan leader Ao3:jin zixuan Fandom: wen ning When wen ning killed jin zixuan, we all know what will happen in ep32

[@isakifujiwara3587]

I hope xiao zhan won't commit suicide tho because you know wei wuxian did. He jumped off that cliff.

[@jeongrhie]

@@isakifujiwara3587 Please don't... 😭Just... I won't be able to take it... I hope that he's strong enough to get through all of this mess... And I hope there's LanZhan (it can be his parents, fans, friends) who can hold his hand tightly and bring him up from this cliff...

[@dandelionangel4354]

FANDOM is not wen ning Remember Wen Ning is the BLADE. and the blade here is the Chinese Authorities. FANDOM aka stupid fandom is the stupid, twisted and pathetic JIN GUANG YAO.

[@ansonma1582]

jhj uu So true 😢

[@triplea_qgb1963]

isaki fujiwara you’d think ppl learned from what happened to sulli but no. I pray for XZ’s health and safety. Even if he decides to quit the entertainment industry, I hope he will find peace.

[@Sunshine00Chaos]

He literally didn’t do anything wrong I don’t understand why is he even dragged in to this mess!! Hopefully he is doing alright ....

[@azreal629]

To be honest I feel a little bit more sorry for the girls that killed themselves and the others that are currently in the hospital, waay more than some rich actor that doesn’t have enough courage to stand up to censorship & homophobia. But that’s just me I guess? Honestly I’ve always felt like a lot of Asian fandom’s were way too intense and had far too much power over their idols. But this story was different to me, I came here thinking it was crazy that people were blaming xz over the pathetic actions of his crazy fanbase. Now that I watched the video and understand the story more I’m really shocked by all the comments like this one. I mean did you even watch the video? There’s people killing themselves because one of the few places they had to express themselves in one of the most censored countries in the world has been destroyed. All because his homophobic fans couldn’t deal with a bit of fanfic? And yet nearly all of the replies here are about an actor and how y’all feel sorry for him. I mean really this endless celebrity worship is just getting ridiculous. I kept scrolling to find information about the girls that died and there’s nothing about them in the comments, it’s all about him and how they’re so sad he’s dealt with bad PR, I mean are you kidding me? This issue, and the terrifying level of destruction it caused to peoples online safe havens in a country where they could be arrested for being gay or writing some freaking fanfic IS THE REAL ISSUE. But people are barely talking about it, I mean have we really become such a celebrity worshiping world that the actor ‘feeling sad’ is really what you took from this? I mean wtf. If that’s the case than things are only going down from here, humans are just so easily complacent to authoritarianism, it’s honestly very frightening.

[@aliceluan3142]

@@azreal629 Hey I got what you are trying to say and I've read a lot of comments about AO3 & cyberbully but the truth is the girl who committed suicide is an unconfirmed case. I did see some pictures about the hospital receipts online but it did not prove that the girl committed suicide. Also the weird thing is she did not call the police; instead she posted everything online and kept trying to get people's attentions. Also there are a lot of Xian Zhan's fans were being cyberbully and a lot of his antis pretended to be his fans and posted some stupid comments online. I would say it's the idol culture cause about all the things. Nowadays it's easy to make the rumors but it's hard to clarify the rumors especially on internet. People would just believe what they want to believe and try to ignore the fact itself.

[@Olga1983]

So glad also that I grew up in the years before the internet was a thing (AOL arrived when I was a sophomore in HS). But here’s the kicker; why is XZ being blamed for something he literally had no control over. He’s not the wizard of Oz. Fans should not have that much control over actors careers. Two sides of fans got into it and it was their damn problem. Why drag him into it? If he lost endorsements because of them, they have a lot to make up for. The whole thing is a hot mess and my heart goes out to him. I actually saw death messages on Weibo for XZ. It’s getting scary and needs to be addressed. Virus outbreak should be priority number 1 and ppl have forgotten about that. Mental health should be a serious priority as well. This whole thing is very pointless and sophomoric. I’m a published author and writer; I had/have a fandom for my books; ppl need to learn to keep scrolling if they don’t like it. His studio and fan club is responsible for keeping fans away from him. Let’s hope it gets better for him; in the meantime we should support him however we can but peacefully. I wrote a poem dedicated to him in regards to this. Everyone is welcome to read it as it’s copyrighted and free. my.w.tt/cgK9NSOWy4 #WeLoveYouXiaoZhan 🦋

[@sherryjyj5910]

i am a person who dont like fan fiction, but you dont see me going to a website and reporting content. i might not like it, but there are others who do. no way i would take something precious from someone else. i think this is a big problem in china. there is no creative freedom. But you cant stop people from creating and now its coming to hunt them. But i bet the authorities are just going to make more rules, ban this, forbid that. sighh

[@ast5578]

@@sherryjyj5910 right totally agree! I used to be really into wattpad, which I'm starting to see is our version of ao3 and there were some messed up stuff on there but I didn't report anyone unless there was an actual issue notboh I just don't like your content. People don't know how to scroll past something they don't like anymore they always have to respond and argue how right they are and how wrong everyone else is. It's rediculous and I really hope Xaoi Zhan isn't affected more by this bc it isn't his fault, it's not like he was the one writing this. I feel bad for all parties involved and people should focus more on coronavirus not ripping down some ppls only happiness in life

[@Olga1983]

My work is solely on Wattpad and I’m in the “live and let live” category. There’s plenty of work I don’t like; but I don’t report it. That said, none of this has to do with XZ. Just because he’s the topic doesn’t mean he’s the one trying to get something banned or removed. He’s literally a scapegoat in this witch-hunt. They need to keep his name out of it.

[@ast5578]

@@Olga1983 swear. There's far too many ppl all talking about how he should have said something but ignoring how fast everything went down and ignoring the fact that crazy fans like that don't listen to their idols for idiotic reasons and ignoring that his company, which doesn't like him, prob didn't let him speak. He is not at fault for others actions, just like every normal person. Being famous doesn't change that

[@Olga1983]

@A ST even if he did say something, he wouldn’t be able to pacify everyone. The fact that rabid “fans” can or want to bring down an actor’s career is absolutely ridiculous to me. Maybe it’s because I’m here in the states and things happen differently. But his work should speak for him not some idiots on the internet. At this point, he needs to just stay low until this blows over.

[@tahaminarahman7589]

Pointless. that's all I thought. I'm a big fan of the Korean boy band Shinee and when 1 of the member Jonghyun died. I realize how cruel we are. how sharp our words can be. and I hate myself for months for those words that I said without realizing it. I have depression. I'm fighting with insomnia for more than 14 years now. these people you said you love. they put a smile on your face. But at the end of the day, they lost their smile because of you. Xiao Zhan is the most humble young celebrity I have ever known. but because of the so-called fans of his, he had to apologize. People hate him. and he had to go through hell without doing anything wrong. And for those people who are suffering because of this bullshit. who will take responsibility for that? Can't you just ignore, if you don't like it? don't write hate comment, don't hate anybody else. Just ignore what you don't like and be happy with the person you love. This world would be so much better if you just learn to ignore the thing you hate and cherish the thing you love. I know the pain of losing my star and I don't want to lose another one. Please be careful with your words.

[@Lily-ij2rc]

Xiao zhan didn't do anything at all it is his fan why I keep see everyone say it is xiao zhan fault???

[@柯鹽]

Jin Mii Well， his fault was “did nothing”. And he still say nothing until now. His team could guide and send messages to fans and official staff can contact fan leaders but they regarded those fans as “soldiers” and took use of them.

[@itsnlee]

There are a lot content on Ao3 that I personally don't like, including what this fanfiction has depicted, but it shouldn't even matter what the audiences think. It's not in people's place to dictate what someone should or shouldn't write. It's the author's own work and their choice in what story they tell! The same goes for ANY content and not just writing. As a creator myself, creating is literally one of the few things that really allow us to express ourselves freely. There's so much in life we have no control over and imagination and creation might just be the only thing they/we have. It's honestly so simple, just click off if you don't like what you see. No one is putting a gun to those immature fans' heads to read the fanfic, but they had to go off and ruin someone else's passion. Moreover, their actions dragged XZ into this mess that he probably wasn't aware of until it got out of control. He's the real victim here, and almost a cruel joke how he's in the exact same situation as WWX.

[@min_nad]

Absolutely!! If you don't like something, simply ignore it and don't read. I really hate when people try to police creative content or shame authors

[@suzuyahaise401]

I think it depends on what your write. Creators have the power to influence. If, for example, a very important author wrote something racist/homophobic and made it appear as something good, the fans would follow the same mentality. You can't just write whatever you want and expect people to agree with it. Readers have the right to criticize something they don't like in a book they love. They have the right to say "Hey, I think this is wrong. You're giving the wrong idea of x!". ESPECIALLY if we're talking about culture/tradition/sexuality/mental illnesses etc... So, you must be careful. What if - for example - a creator tries mock someone's culture? Will you just go along with it? "It's their work so I have to respect it?" Well I think you should talk about how wrong it is instead, of course, without actually insulting them or sending death threats unlike most people do.

[@starrypotatah4468]

when she said "it's just so pointless", i felt that. It's honestly heartbreaking about all those people who tried to commit suicide. It's sad how fragile mental health is, especially among kids. Many, when they feel everything's going wrong, tend to turn to fandoms to find something good in life, and then shit like this happens. There really needs to be more awareness about mental health among people of all ages. It's also sad for Xiao Zhan, poor boi struggled so hard for so long to finally reach where he is now, and then this happens. I hope he can recover from this, he deserves better :( i had heard bits of it before due to twitter, but all i knew was that ao3 got banned in china and xz was being blamed for it. i didn't realise something that small and pointless might become so big it would start affecting not only xz's career but also the lives of so many people :(((

[@SFBL1]

I feel bad for Xiao Zhan and all those people in China who won't have access to AO3 anymore. I visit that site everyday. I couldn't imagine losing it.

[@qlinez9864]

Yeah, his fans are horrible. I don't really know what they think. They also try to make our fiction creation app--- lofter(where they found the fiction about XiaoZhan ) is banned in my counties. The creators in china and readers are fighting with them now.

[@qlinez9864]

@@acaichanzou8266 ......that’s not the problem of gov.It is impossible gov did not act for most people to report pornography or violence, and we do not have a clear online age hierarchy. I believe that you do not want your kindergarten children to see the pornography and violent articles or videos. It is the problem of those who maliciously report.

[@jerryfeng871]

Say a bad words , his fans like a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!

[@6uiliny]

I've seen some people write on platforms like ao3 as a means of escape from their reality. They may be in bad situations or have previous trauma and have no support from people around them, turning to online friends they have made in these circles. By cutting out things like ao3, they've lost a part of themselves and I can understand their desperation. It's like suddenly losing all the friends you've made over the years =/ truly heartbreaking. Thanks for making the video to explain what's going on. It was unbiased and informative.

[@bidishadey3815]

Sounds like drug usage and withdrawals.

[@maimee2angel]

I understand you. I read several 'dark' fanfics and I realize that maybe the writer do writing about their own experience. It's like a place where they can get 'lost' in another world, have their own circle of friends.

[@thereserubi4618]

@@bidishadey3815 This is so true. Ao3 has helped me in so many ways in overcoming my trauma and my psychological problems. It's not only a fanfiction platform, but something that has caused a great impact in my life.

[@bidishadey3815]

Therese Rubi I am not trying to sound rude, I understand that you have been through a lot, but you should not be dependent on something in this way. Nothing is permanent so you should not be dependent on something to the point that your life feels meaningless if that thing changes.

[@maizecerebrum]

@@thereserubi4618 Writing is a way to regain control of life. I can relate. Hope you can figure out step by step, and fully embrace yourself. And ignore idiots.😆

[@tanvi1369]

I love how XIAO ZHAN has come out now...bigger than ever, and bigger than any other artist!!

[@louisaodibo3963]

Really? Please tell me how is he doing now? I feel concerned for him. What’s the latest news about him?

[@Sssidk]

Really?? I'm so happy to hear that because he didn't deserve any of that

[@manjoogurung1935]

Trueee.. he's no.1 everytime ...be it for actor or in terms of endorsements and popularity.

[@persgodiva]

@@louisaodibo3963 He sued some of his haters and won, he's in new dramas and he's gotten a ton of new advertisement opportunity and embassadorships.

[@alexiscallie_7237]

@@persgodiva what drama is he in?

[@blueberry3717]

This is scary and upsetting. Hopefully, all involved parties are safe and sound. Xiao Zhan shouldn't have to become a real life WWX over this issue. Mental health needs to be addressed more than ever, especially in Asian countries. If the parents don't take their kid's issues seriously they obviously don't care enough and should stop forcing their child to be the perfect shining example for their own ego. I'd like to invite you to a respectful and civilized discussion if you want to^^ My stance: 1) Forcing your expectations on real existing people is harmful. The awful Stan culture is one part of that (so is shipping real people, that's what fictional characters are for) They're painting a picture that isn't real. There should be a boundary between fantasy and reality and distorting someone's image fuses these two parts closer together. A celebrity is not a fan's property just because they support them. While fan's ties are of an emotional nature, celebrities are ~economically~ dependent on the fans. The balance isn't right and will cause the celebs to appease their financial supporters (fans). 2) Cleansing the internet sounds dangerous and I wonder how much longer until the cleansing extends to living people. Just some food for thought. 3) Shouldn't CoVid-19 be their priority right now?? D:

[@blueberry3717]

@Purple Grape Uncle I'm afraid you misunderstood. I meant people's concerns and actions should have the current health issue in mind rather than some shit storm. This refers to the netizens not the censorship bureaucrats.

[@kryptoonspoopy8536]

Yeah it's pretty annoying when fans ship something from real life like Wang yibo x Xiao Zhan for example and deem it as cannon, I do agree that the Coronavirus should be everyones top priority instead of Ao3 being banned and using Xiao Zhan as a scapegoat, plus I honestly wasn't Ao3 got banned from China, it's China we're talking about here

[@fiore7751]

They're people who have been inside their houses for about a month a now, ofc they have nothing better to do than bent their frustration onto another person.

[@kryptoonspoopy8536]

@@fiore7751 That's sad but true hopefully they'll find a cure and not be stuck in their houses

[@SwirlF]

​@@kryptoonspoopy8536 Actually it's pretty common for people to ship actors or actresses from on-screen CPs to be together in real life. I've seen it plenty of times in k-drama world, like the SongxSong couple who got married in real life (then divorced after lol). -------- Warning: Rant incoming ------- But personally I don't think a well-adjusted individual would go to the extend of writing fanfic about two real life people having a relationship. It's like imagining that your real-life classmate and the teacher are in a relationship because they seem like they would make a good couple. At this point, it would be clear that there is a detachment from reality. And even if we imagine that kind of fantasy, we would never expect the fanfic to be seen by other classmates in our class because it kinda goes without saying that our classmates will look at us like we're freaks and the actual girlfriend of the classmate that we wrote about would be so pissed off. If we were in the girlfriend's position, and having thought carefully about what should be done next (confront the writer, support our boyfriend a.k.a the victim), we would never have reported this issue to the disciplinary master because it kinda goes without saying that the disciplinary master will conduct a crackdown on the whole class, and even the whole school, sussing out lurid fanfics that might have been lying in the shadows peacefully. As a result of this whole episode, it goes without saying that all the students of the school are naturally angry at the inconvenience caused. But if we were students of the school, and with our priorities straight, we would know that studying to make sure we don't fail is more important. And if there's anybody to be angry at, it should be at the disciplinary master for being a little bitch. At this point, we would all have become too tired to continue and knuckle down on our textbooks. Nobody other than the delusional and obsessive would bother picking up momentum to hunt down the girlfriend and the writer to force them to quit school and then, because they really quit but the fanfics were still gone (because the disciplinary master burned everything), turn to the real-life inspiration of the main character of that fanfic (the last person in the whole story who can't run away from the public eye) and then make demands for him to apologise for not taking responsibility for the actions of the writer, the girlfriend and the disciplinary master. When in actual fact, the only apology that he can make is for being too popular for his own good. Boy, am I glad I'm not in his shoes....

[@murasaki0424]

I agreed with you. I was kinda glad I was born earlier too. When I was in my teens and in my early 20s was how to get good grades, get a job and maybe get marry (in which i didn't LOL). Not like nowadays, SNS influencing young people and some of them, well, I'm really speechless....

[@friamariz3582]

by hearing this,like is this really happening in real life ? the most affected by this are xiao zhan and the people who lost their happiness .

[@ClovertheUnburnt]

The Chinese government is so restrictive. The fact that so many things are being banned from use is ridiculous. As far as the work of the author, I never like writing about real people, but since it is clearly fiction there is no reason for anyone but the writer to be implicated. As far as the work itself if no one is endangered by it then there is no reason to jump on it. *The fact is that this all started with a random work of fiction which should never have raised such alarm. People can become so ruthless over basically nothing, and then look for someone to put that anger on. 'Fandom' can easily become Salem witch trials, and pTople genuinely do suffer. Don't even get me started on trolls, antis, haters, what have you.* The escalation of this is ridiculous. The fact that people went so far as to hurt themselves over this is a mixture of lunacy and tragedy. However these actions imply nothing about anyone but the people who hurt themselves, and frankly if they were completely stable they would not have. The pettiness of lashing back at this talented, dedicated actor is indescribable. It is literally one of the most misplaced, pointless things I have ever heard. He is a young man who is creating art and minding his own business. Here is no reason to attack him or the work hes been a part of. *I edited part of this to add in a few thought I thought went without saying. Clarity is important, though (as we've seen in this whole sh*tstorm), so I wanted to add in these thoughts.*

[@xlsx5275]

Why do you want to raise this matter to a political level? This is made by Xiao Zhan fans（google Translation

[@4lw4y51nnoc3n7]

@@xlsx5275 you cannot ignore the fact that the chinese government has blocked sites on a political basis. No matter what XZ's character is or what he did or what fans reported, the government would not have blocked the site using the dear mighty great firewall if they did not perceive the need to. which they did. yes xz fans did cause a ruckus over this, but let's face it ao3 would have never been accepted by your government, if its not xz it would be someone else. blame it on the restrictive internet environment.

[@4lw4y51nnoc3n7]

okay yes but i also think that xz fans went too far in this. smh young people still not knowing to distinguish between fiction and reality. a bunch of snitchers were born.

[@ClovertheUnburnt]

@@4lw4y51nnoc3n7 wow, yeah. I didnt notice I jadnt really touched on that, because it felt so noticeable. Well put. Agreed. I'll edit my comment.

[@ClovertheUnburnt]

@@xlsx5275 I understand that this does not all have to do with how the government handles free speech and access to knowledge, but I think the situation escalated partly because of those things. I would feel even more scared of my government than I already do if I lived in a country where they had that level of censorship. I think it deserves mentioning.

[@doorknobofakender]

what's sad is that this isn't just happening in China. there are a lot of so-called purity police in other countries who target and blast at creators of fan works and especially have tried their hardest to take out AO3. for the most part AO3 has a lot of legal standing in the States but that doesn't always extend to other countries. which is sad especially when things like this happens.

[@hajarzeriouli]

louder to the people in the back. This kind of people exist in every fandom, in every conservative society, in every single country but people think Xfx are the only one who do this.

[@sempaijuly]

Agree. People need to focus their effort on preventing user harrassment and real cyber crimes. Instead, we have crying "pure" fans and moral police chasing fanfiction girls.

[@doorknobofakender]

@@hajarzeriouli yeah. people forget that AO3 was created just because of stuff like this happened where ffnet had removed content as well as livejournal where they were pressured first to mass delete of communities and content creators and then did their strikeout of others.

[@hajarzeriouli]

@@doorknobofakender exactly, it is all on the timing but what Xfx did wasn't THE MAIN reason why they took AO3 down

[@doorknobofakender]

hajar zeriouli oh def the timing was just right for everyone to blame him and his fans instead of thinking about how the gov has slowly been getting rid of stuff they don't care for

[@ltcin5495]

Poor Xiao Zhan he's worked so hard to get to where he is and now this. It's like, there's so much going on right now, to the people who started all this: Jezz! do something productive with yourselves!! why don't ya?! the whole world, we're trying our best to not get sick with this new bug going around and they're all like "Ima fuck this person over" I'm so sorry this is happening and really hope everything works out in the best possible way for everyone .

[@k-l-in784]

Mob mentality at its finest. The one hating now aren't that different from the one who started the issue. The crazy Xiao Zhan cfans were only more likely to start it, since their number is statistically bigger. Both sides have extremely sensitive, misguided hateful people. The one suffering either way is Xiao Zhan, though. He somehow became popular overnight and doesn't have enough 'true' support, compared to the number of obsessive fans and haters. I do think he is the perfect scapegoat to a ban that would have happened one way or another; he was there at the wrong place, wrong time. I hope he'll live though this mass-bullying. I didn't think I would get this involved, I only wanted to support him from afar, but it somehow blew up on Twitter too 😔

[@ASHITACLOSE]

In the past, if you liked a singer ở an actor, you just need to see that one, but now it also means that you have to hate his or her rival, potential rival. You and your idol fandom will do any way to get more TV show, more advertisement, more film for your idol. What happened to xz now is somehow because he have so many chances to have that kind of source. He becomes rival with many male celebrity in Chinese, it is a war of their fandom under the management of their company.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

K Ling cancel culture is something I’m always scared of. Innocent people can be implicated. Unfortunately, xiao Zhan was unlucky with this case. This could’ve happened to any celebrity.

[@naturelover.05]

Xiao zhan has come back bigger than ever, so proud of him.

[@gangapanta572]

yeah !!! 😍😍🥺

[@yourfavouritebard6313]

Nobody cares about him in china now lol, his name basically became a taboo for any group that do fanfics including anime/manga/game/kpop fans, whenever his face appears in a video it will always got covered because nobody want to see him except for his fans.

[@rueluxprince6982]

This situation really shows that there are no winners when you start firing. Because honestly, no side in this can either be satisfied. Xiao Zhan's fans won't be the same because they are currently being smashed from all sides and will continue to be for the foreseeable future; Xiao Zhan and his team won't be happy because there is no way they could appease the opposing onslaught and gain back all the goodwill they've lost; all the fandom being affected by the ao3 ban and the widespread deletion on Lofter will never be happy because the damage has already been done, their works already gone, they have already felt the deep fear of a piece of themselves being ripped away, and Xiao Zhan fading back into obscurity won't bring them back. So really, the situation wouldn't be as big as it is if the reporting didn't actually work, we would've been able to laugh it off otherwise. So yeah, great authoritarian statecraft.

[@Olga1983]

He’s not going to fade into obscurity. Too many ppl are involved and continue to find out about The Untamed. Plus Tencent is now releasing more BTS from the show and it couldn’t come at a better time. A03 wasn’t banned in other countries so ppl still have access to it. What is needed now is time.

[@rueluxprince6982]

@Iwiccaozzie Yes, and how exactly would you support him? It's not like he's going to have many acting opportunities in America, with only a handful of Asian American actors hopping around screens in Hollywood.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Ruelux Prince he can move to Thailand or Vietnam. He seems to be somewhat popular there. He could also move to Korea and try to act there. Tang Wei experienced huge backlash in China and she eventually went to Korea.

[@nZkKanra]

wow, I didn't know what happened until I watched the video... I feel bad for the actor and the author. if we're creating our work for our own happiness, why should we care about other people's viewpoints? we've tagged our works and it's the kids' parents fault if they're looking at works they shouldn't be, it has nothing to do with the author. we have our creating rights, you don't have to look at works you don't like and report them just because you don't like it. You can't just go around commenting bad things because you don't like the ships/contents. I'm so confused, they just need help. It's so unfair for the anime fandom creators, now they have nowhere to go to post their works. 一群神经病，真的。我不喜欢肖战但是lof上面的太太们真的是很惨，一直被那些脑残粉迫害。Ao3不是我们的停车场，更加不是我们把毫无剧情的车随便丢个外链去的地方。我希望这件事能尽快解决，无头无脑的人真的一大堆。不喜欢看你别看，没人逼着你去看。这让我想起之前我在汉化的时候被某个妹子说“恶心”因为我汉化的是【钢之炼金术师】的本子然后也tag了CP和钢炼，说不是所有人都喜欢看。我整个人都懵了，我喜欢您管得着吗？就这样吧，不想引战。

[@jerryfeng871]

You should understand us,they destroyed AO3

[@triplea_qgb1963]

jerry FENG yes AO3 is gone. Is it worth destroying an innocent man? Do you want to see him to suicide because of stupid fanfiction and fans?

[@IlloyedKater]

I am from Germany and we have intense education about what happened in east Germany after the second war, even before that with reporting jews. Reporting someone to authorities is really scary. And fearing everyone is really scary, censoring yourself and not acting up is so depressing and harming to one’s mindset.

[@joanj7617]

This video has a huge missing part, probably because the Weibo now is full of one sides' voice. Initially the problem triggered by some writer created a bizarre erotic novel full of RC17 content and using their idols' name, pictured him as a women fetish with sexual disorder and work as prostitute, more over, to have vague relationship with another teen, name comes from the other main actor in the movie (not character name). The author puts the novel on an app but add link with RC17 parts to AO3 -- Which is a popular way to escape the kids and teenager protection system. Somehow this specific author tried to attract readers and also put this novel to public social media with a lot of teenagers. It triggers angry and One fan header organized hundreds of Xiaozhan's young followers average at 16, to report this novel as inappropriate content to the social media, which then leads to revenge action from similar writers' group: they claim this is their freedom of speech and ask kids just not to read them. They also claim Xiao is famous because of the untamed, which is a LGBT novel, therefore kids have no right to report inappropriate content. Eventually this network fights escalated and triggered attention from the censorship department. Ended up ugly: AO3 is blocked by the firewall. Now the adult writers and their readers group owns much larger speak right than Xiao's teen fans. They only criticize xiaozhan's fan being reporting without mentioning why the report is happening and how it is escalated to such a ugly situation.

[@pp4913]

@@joanj7617 That novel does NOT use the name of Xiao zhan. There is just a character called Zan zan. I love Xiao zhan and The Untamed, but that novel is really not as disturbing as you described.

[@joanj7617]

​@@pp4913 I read the novel, the novel itself is ok in the small circle context, but quite offensive to anyone doesn't belong to the circle. Yes, it uses real celebrities' names. Two characters, one is Xiaozhan and one is Wang yi bo. Regardless how fans describe it, everyone In this video, everyone who has a bit context, will accept this is real actor's name. There's even a picture using Xiao's face on women body.

[@asiuasiuhau]

@@joanj7617 well said. This is the most details and precise explanation from you so far because most ppl just keep saying one side story but none of them actually explaining why this cat fighting drama happened in the first place. I guess most ppl only need scapegoat in every unfortunate situation. Reporting thingy is not a way out but using other's ppl n real name to support their own fantasy and advantage certainly cannot just play victim after all this drama came up ugly.

[@hisokameruem]

@@joanj7617 I see you comment repeating, but you don't understand - none of that is a problem if it's tagged as fiction and if it doesn't pertain to be the truth. Everything else is allowed in fiction and the only one who can complain about it is the real person himself - that is if he doesn't like it. The content is not important. If you don't like it - you don't read it. If it really bothers you - you can leave a comment and state your objection. But reporting someone for his work - that's overreaction (again, no matter the content as long as it is fiction), and that kind of thinking made the whole problem. So please, stop with your comments, you are not helping.

[@buscaquenoestoy]

I’m so sad I cannot do anything as an international fan but I really hope this gets settled down soon because if one thing is true in this whole mess is that Xiao Zhan is completely innocent and has done nothing to deserve punishment.

[@jeongrhie]

Why do I feel that the situation is like what Weiying going through... T.T People praised him and then just bring him down so quick... I didn't know that this has gotten sooo sooo far until there are people who think to end their lives. this is insane! People, if you don't like something, then just skip it, or block it. because reporting is honestly cruel... I've been writing BL Fanfiction for years, and I would be sad if people are just straightly attacking and reporting me without telling me first. I mean, authors do have reason to write something. If you feel uncomfortable, you can leave a message and ask the authors kindly to edit, or even delete with their consent. It would be better like that.

[@jhjuu9576]

I want to try your fictions

[@jeongrhie]

@@jhjuu9576 Hello~ I used to write on AsianFanfiction, but now I move to Wattpad, @/NaraKeiko is my username~

[@yeehaaw8234]

What matter in here is RPF/RPS not only fanfics, especially the explicit one. Its Involve a real person. Here u talking about consent. But does these rps writer ask the real person about their consent to be written sexually? Ofc not.

[@최텐진-f4n]

It's all started from this one person and from there the butterfly effect started. This generation needs to be selfless and respond to things not react right away.

[@iciajay6891]

And people to show them how to act. Good role models.

[@newname3718]

They are probably less than 15. If they grew up later and realise how hard to stay above water in working life... They should apologize to a lot of people. :(

[@fakemaknaemarkipoo7419]

Oh dear god my Zhan Zhan doesnt deserve to be dragged into that mess! He is like the loveliest person and just because of some obsessive ppl he is getting hate?? I feel so sorry for chinese "healthy" fandome too. AO3 is great, why cant ppl just let other ppl enjoy their creative freedom? Its fiction, if you dont like it, dont read it. Its sickeing how some ppl always try to supress/controle others.

[@kdramakpopbias_taeskookieez]

I really feel sorry for the actor. He literally done nothing and now he can't do anything about it.

[@m.r1456]

Hard to believe fans have this much power over a celebrity to the point that the celebrity can lose advertisement, sponsor jobs just because of fans. Even worse the fans, anti-fans start all this shit, then expect the Celebrity to speak about it. XZ didn’t do anything! And if people are stupid enough to believe that XZ had the website shut down, then they need to really get a life. They invest to much into a celebrity that if something like this happens that it affects their (fans) where they want to hurt themselves, and they expect the celebrity to fix it. If they don’t, then they ruin his career. Unbelievable!

[@Goodmorningstar430]

Exactly, they are a joke they want to kill themselves over a fanfic (writing about real people to feed their sick fantasy). They are crazy. They should be sent to the mental institutions. The ones who are responsible are their family and the government for not giving them right support. I’m speechless the amount of brainless people they have in their country. No way is Xiao Zhan is responsible of shutting down AO3 if it was already planned before by the government. Their government has the power to control so those people are aiming at the person. Giving Xiao Zhan death threats, hacking his IG, making him lose endorsements, trying to lose his career OVER A FUCKING FANFIC. Those stupid brainwashed fools.

[@m.r1456]

XZ should take legal action against the person(s) who started this. What’s even more stupid that if he actually lost sponsors, or commercials, it’s stupid that the Brands, Designers would actually listen to FANS, ANTI-FANS, and not trust or back the Celebrity but drop them instead. I don’t know who is more stupid the fans/anti-fans or the sponsors!

[@pw7725]

@@m.r1456 They aren't that stupid. Businesses are all about the $$$. If XZ loses sponsorships (I really hope not!!!) it will be because the companies feel his marketing power has diminished, not that they believe fans and anti-fans extreme views. They will have to take into account though that dropping XZ may piss off people who were previously neutral to their product but viewed XZ favorably, and result in a brand boycott. There might actually be meetings with people in suits debating this out right now.

[@m.r1456]

My point is that it’s a shame the brands have no trust in the celebrity they hired to sell their product, because of a scandal that has nothing to do with the celebrity. China, Korea give their fans too much power and let them dictate a celebrity’s fame. He worked hard himself, his hard work in acting & singing came from him, all the sacrifices he made was done by him, not his fans. And just like that the fans, anti-fans can destroy his career, ruin everything he worked so hard for. Makes no sense. It’s really all stupid!

[@janeliu272]

M.R Exactly. If the idol HIMSELF did something wrong, I believe very less would blame the businesses who hires him for advertisement purposes decide to drop him, because apparently it might cause problems to the businesses’ brand image. However, Xiao Zhan HIMSELF DID NOT do anything wrong. He was unfortunately affected and dragged into this crazy rabbit hole. If the businesses simply drop him because of this, well, the other celebrities might re-consider when the business come ask them to do endorsements: are you going to fire me easily if something that I am not able to control happen to me, like what you did to Xiao Zhan?

[@alicea5]

Why didn’t fans from other celebrities on the drama joy of life fight back?? What’s the point of attacking an actor? It’s not like he can change what happened nor did he start it. People r misplacing blame. Yup-happen throughout history.

[@emilysee8588]

Fans of other celebrities are probably also affected for the ao3 ban. They also hate on that idol for failure of controlling their fans. The fans kept saying they're doing "justice" for his sake. They are doing bad deeds under his name.

[@zhongyan9817]

Because XiaoZhan never faces to the public yet, to talk about what's happen.Before this incident, one girl had lost her job because of the jalous of his crazy fans.Xiao Zhan knows everything, but he keep silent. when he do this more and more time, his fans do more and more stupid things and nobody teache them what is right. So, now is the time.

[@alicea5]

zhong yan an actor ability to speak out in public depends on their company. Maybe he is ordered to remain silent. But he should still say something on his Weibo or something. Maybe even visit the people who try to commit suicide and cheer them up even if he’s not at fault. Doing something to keep his image clean... Or maybe this won’t even affect him. It will come and go. I don’t even watch drama base on their rating so maybe there r people like me too

[@zhongyan9817]

@@alicea5 Yes (I'm sorry that English is not my language, so I used Google a bit, but the conversation was sincere), but from another perspective, if he keeps deep, he will always become a puppet. You also saw what his fans and team did by borrowing his silence this time. Then because of his silence, his career was almost over. Maybe he saved a girl who tried to commit suicide. But this time his silence also caused a girl with ao3 as a spiritual pillar to attempt suicide. He was silent even when several of his younger fans planned to protest against fire self-harm. We cannot all deny what he has done. But it ’s not that he has done good things, he is totally right

[@anniep.7670]

@@zhongyan9817 sorry for my bad english. but i want to make a correction to the news about the author who use Ao3 as a spiritual pillar attempt suicide. it was clarified that this rumor was completely fake. the author herself has make an official statement on weibo, so please don´t spread false information on a public website. but i agree with you on the other matter. xz should have spoken before all this situation became a total mess. i think even if he speak now it´s to late because people won´t accept it any more, so he clearly has lost the right timing to save himselfe, even if he was innocent. i think this will mark almost his end of career, because AO3 fandome is too big, and the lost of AO3 was to great for them. the biggest victim in this case are all members and users of AO3, B-Billibili and XZ. but unfortunately it his fans who was doing this so as the head, he has to take the responsibily for their action too.

[@randipeang5678]

Thank you for the clarification on what is going on. I’m sad that all this is happening and Xiao Zhan doesn’t deserve this at all.

[@dalandandan387]

Can't believe a year has passed, I STILL REMEMBER THIS WAR

[@dohavename6775]

So how did it settle? Is Xiao Zhan ok?

[@naturelover.05]

@@dohavename6775 yes, she is the most popular artist in china. His haters couldn't do anything.

[@yourfavouritebard6313]

@@dohavename6775 Nobody cares about him in china now lol, his name basically became a taboo for any group that do fanfics including anime/manga/game/kpop fans, whenever his face appears in a video it will always got covered because nobody want to see him except for his fans.

[@TheJbgo]

I have never liked people using someone as a scapegoat. Sounds like a lot of people on both sides have serious issues and laser focus them in the wrong way. Extreme fandom sounds like a societal problem to me wherever it happens. Like XZ's acting a lot. Sad too see people blame him in anyway for this situation.

[@wanderinglibrary5762]

From what I see, people are blaming him doing nothing just staying silent.

[@milagrosurrutia3327]

@@wanderinglibrary5762 don't don't blame him he could go to jail,or a lot worse you don't know what he's going through. Maybe they they threatened him to stay silent. You may never know.... My friend in this world there's a lot of evil....

[@wanderinglibrary5762]

Milagros Urrutia OMG WHAT？ How many brainwashing things you have read? Im Chinese btw. Its not like that. Im so confused, why my country sounds like a demon here?

[@HanQ28]

Live as Tae He’s living under an authoritarian government. What is he gonna say? Blaming his government for shutting down the websites? Or blaming his irrational fans for reporting the fanfics?? This type of reporting/censorship is perfectly legal in China. Speaking out about censorship = rebelling against the government. Xiao Zhan is not a political hero/rebel. I don’t expect him to risk his life for something that’s not his fault to begin with.

[@HanQ28]

Live as Tae Well, you could go to China and publicly speak out about the unjust censorship laws, and then see what would happen to you... But I don’t recommend.

[@sickleweed3270]

Imagine being Xiao Zhan and waking up to this mess and you're like wtf I haven't even been working since CNY.

[@sofiazered6425]

Somehow this feels like Xiao Zhan has really become Wei Wuxian being bullied by the mob some time after being the beloved and admired child. It seems like those fans didn't grasp what was behind Mo Dao Zu Shi, and the author's strong feelings towards mob mentality.

[@양지혜-i3h]

It was so, so stupid that people kept demanding over and over for Xiao Zhan to speak out even though he did nothing. Seriously, no matter what he did he would be the target of MORE hate. If he defended his "fans," he would have been called a destroyer of free speech and would be hated so much. But if he defended AO3, people would say he was attacking Chinese censorship and his career would be over. Xiao Zhan literally did NOTHING and yet people keep asking so much of him. And those "10 questions to ask him" were literally disgusting, like putting blame on him for "taking up resources during COVID". They might as well blame him for COVID deaths at this point. So stupid that they kept pushing and pushing for him to speak out. What do they expect would happen if he spoke out? Only more controversy no matter what he said. Poor guy did nothing but work hard all his life. He joined the entertainment industry late and only recently became successful and people take this opportunity to take away his success? This mob mentality (literally the theme of mdzs/the untamed, I guess people never learn) and cancel culture is just disgusting and baffling. Btw, did y'all see that first public appearance he made after the incident? It was so heartbreaking because ZX was just trying to be positive and saying that he should take responsibility for whatever happens in his life and he's the only one who can support himself. Anyhow I'm glad he's doing better now. He deserves to continue doing what he loves because he is such a good actor, singer, designer, dancer, model, host, etc. I hope he knows how much fans are supporting him and disregarding those terrible rumours, especially outside of China, since we aren't caught in the bubble of Chinese censorship, rules, entertainment, etc.

[@liliangoh562]

Bullying happens even on the net. No one thinks about the actor who is being bullied and suffering silently. Pity him

[@tinkadare791]

I’m very sorry for everyone involved - the creators (I’ve been on A03 for the last 12 years and if someone took this part of life from me they’d be taking away a huge part of my well-being), the fans who never reported anyone and got the backlash, families and close people of those who suffered and tried to harm themselves, Mr. Xiao Zhan who involuntarily got caught up in the middle of it all and seems like a good guy so probably suffers as well - everyone. It all escalated like a MXTX novel plot and is chilling and sad. If anyone benefits from this situation it’s probably c-gov, as normally they’d be hated for the lockdown and now the whole matter has Xiao Zhan’s face. Be good to each other, stop fighting, help each other, don’t fan the flames, don’t report each other, think about how behind every account there’s a HUMAN being with emotions and family.

[@asj685]

The ones who benefit are the anti-XZ fans who are smiling a lot these days. Certainly falun gong, HK/Taiwan separatists are ecstatic to see a positive face of China's soft power get taken down so quickly.

[@tinkadare791]

As J I don’t even understand my own country’s politics so I am not able to have an opinion on global or China’s politics. I also don’t understand the idea of being an anti-fan. Why waste your energy, emotions and time in hating smth when you could flail over smth you love in that time instead? All I can say is that I’m deeply sorry for everyone involved and my heart goes to everyone hurt by the whole affair. I wish the world was a more positive place. I wish people would let others just live and be and create in peace without hate, reporting each other, blocking, attacking and so on. I wish I had some words of wisdom or a solution for this mess but there’s none. Just - all the creators, fans and people who’ve been hurt by accident by this matter - hang in there.

[@hannasj]

I try not to laugh seeing this after 8months but i just cannot😂😂 the ridiculousness of her tones, concerns, helplessness about the whole situation about the suicide attempt, fans being hurt aiyahh. When i watched it 8 months it was really concerning coz she made the situations seems to be really serious and bad for xz. But now after truth revealed that there's no suicide attempt , fans got hurt and everything. This has become a laughing stock😂 But yeah of course she wont clarify the matter again but still, i'm just ashamed of myself for 100% believing and being affected by your false information, i regret being so naive back then and got hurt and worried for nothing. As ifans, there's not much we can know about what happened in c-ents circle coz we dont speak and cant read the language. So we really depends on this kind of c-international account to get our info on. But this is total misinformation and misleading. You should have deleted this.

[@sunshineforever02]

I was also very worried about this whole things too and afraid that xz will not make a comeback or will be hard for him to appear on public again, but now I don't care about it anymore. What I care now is just XZ that's all. Lots of people hate him but more people will love him. Seeing how much love he has nowadays make me very happy for him. Even though he is staying lowkey now but as long as he is safe and still busy with him work is all us xfx want to hear from him. We doesn't need to see him everyday or often like other idols because as long as we know he is still filming or working on something that it will make us all happy and ready to wait for him no matter how long. Be a good fans and patiently wait for him if we want to see good work from him.

[@e7evenJAZ23]

Wow you are fast. I didn't expect to see this tonight, I expected the earliest to be tomorrow.

[@angelxxsin]

Toxic fandom "culture" needs to be called out and I think this may be the scandal that finally pushes it to the forefront. This is by far the worst example of it I've ever seen...Jesus Christ, but there's a ton of toxicity in the West as well in a lot of the bigger fandoms like Star Wars, Steven Universe and K-Pop related fandoms. It's just ridiculous and gets out of hand because three terrible elements get mixed: hormones + mental illness + immaturity. This is absolutely a new phenomenon. It wasn't nearly as bad before social media. It was always "ship and let ship". Now there's this weird overprotectionism over celebrities that leads certain fans to feel as though they're entitled to safeguard their image and censor others.

[@RoseNZieg]

Larissa Campo i don't think it's new. it's more like now with the rate of information that get passed out, we hear about it more often.

[@angelxxsin]

​@@RoseNZieg it's never been this bad and I'll stand by that assertion. The culture around fanworks before the late 2000s was way more carefree and laissez-faire. The intrusiveness of fans into other's fandom experience compounded with digital bullying didn't exist prior to the expansion of social media As someone who has been a part of different fandoms since my early 20s (and I'm now in my late 30s), there is a huge difference between how things were before and after the advent of social media. There used to be a general code everyone followed that was largely "don't like, don't read" and though RPF has always been dicey with some people, no one felt the need to brigade an author and bully them off writing more transgressive stories that were sometimes downright dark. A warning is all you needed and all people expected. The proliferation of social media and the cultural shift has started a movement that believes it's absolutely okay to morally police others over seemingly "problematic" content.

[@jjh8367]

I'm so out of touch with fandoms these days I didn't even realize their is protective shipping going on. I came in around the; EVERYTHING GOES days and fell out due to work and adult struggles. Yeah there was weird stuff but its like; esh. Not my thing but HEY THEYRE FAMILY CAUSE THEY APART OF THE FANDOM! It blows my mind that in a few years teeny boppers are loosing their MARBLES if someone does agree with their ship.

[@Mad_orange]

Xiao zhan is the who gets beat up the most here. People are boycotting his endorsements and down rating his drama shows. His fans who started all this.. how could u do this to him.

[@waterwitch8902]

I live in America I heard something about this but I didn't get into it. Hearing you explain this my heart is sickened. What amazes me is how close this comes to the storyline of Untamed.

[@radioserrelind]

I learned two hard and fast rules as a teenage fangirl: You don't profit from your fan works. You don't let RPF get seen by the people it's about. Anyone who broke those rules got slapped hard. Now I'm gonna be 34 in a week and I'm looking at kids these days like "we failed you, omg". I feel terrible for XZ being involved in all this; I'm sure he'd rather wait out whatever is going on around the coronavirus in peace. Then get on with his freaking life. Like he deserves.

[@Sarah_2094]

This is very similar to kpop shipping where girls fetishise male/male couple s then freak out if someone comes out as gay. The untamed is clearly a BL novel and the show hinted to that but people don’t like that yibo/Xz are being shipped together. The country allows BL dramas to air but you’re not allowed to read gay fanfiction. I feel like the ppl who blocked the website blew up the situation out of proportion they should’ve just ignored it and it would’ve died down🤷🏻‍♀️ the actors literally have nothing to do with this and this is when shipping becomes toxic/obsessive.

[@cryforme6301]

The country doesnt allow bl drama .. Thats why they remove all the bl elements .. then just make it look like bromance ( brotherly love).. im talking about the untamed.. I dont know how the bl novels survive though

[@Sarah_2094]

Cry Fujoshi true its not a bl drama but still its based on the novel and if u watched there were so many scenes that just seemed gay (nothing wrong with that) but i still don’t understand the mentality where u ship two guys romantically then freak out and get angry when u realize they’re actually gay

[@cryforme6301]

@@Sarah_2094 i dont think its the shipper who gets angry.. from what i read on the comments before.. even those who doesnt like bl watch it and like it.. and they think it will ruin for them if it was bl.. So i think its them who dont want it / freak out You know shippers are happy when the ship sails.. And we like to say.. Kyaaaaahhh!!! the ship has sailed!!!

[@justSunny7]

According to the video, the fans got mad because they used the actors pic and edited him to look like a female.

[@cryforme6301]

@@justSunny7 oohhhh😮

[@angeruhatake2920]

Okay lets get rational here. Xiao Zhan chose to act in a drama based on a BL novel, in which drama contain a lot of lovey dovey scenes of two and more grown up men. IF he is not comfortable with it, he wont choose to act on it, right? Its his choice and he knew it. And if just in case there were some pressure on him to act on it (be it from his agency or whoever), we can be sure that he enjoyed every minutes of it, thats a fact. He is a grown up man. A human being. He knows what he is doing. He is not some weak little kid that needs to be 'protected' from this world and surely he DOESNT NEED to be protected from some fanfictions which is A FICTION to begin with. Yes, it is a queer fanfic and yes it has him as himself not as his character on the drama. But as I said before, he ACTED on a drama based on a BL novel and he is FINE with it. He is fine with being related to a male-male relationship. Lets be real, if he feels just a slight discomfort, will he still act and enjoy being a cast of the drama?? I dont think so. Every public figure has their own way to deal with this kind of fiction and one of them is just NOT CARING FOR IT. You dont like it, leave it. Simple as that. This whole mess began with some fans who call themselves 'The Protector' of their idol, well who put him in this situation now, eh? You are NOT his 'LanZhan'. WE ALL ARE NOT. We are just some fans who love and enjoy ourselves. We may have different and wild fantasy about our idol. Internet is a place for all of us. All fan related works (be it fanfiction, fanart, fmv, etc.) are creative contents which should be appreciated not by all fans, but the fans who enjoy them. And for goodness sake, those creative content SHOULD NOT BE BANDED AT ALL. You dont like it, dont read dont watch dont even see it. We dont go to places we dont like and start a hate campaign. Lets share the space and enjoy ourselves in different places. Thats the way to co-exist in this space. You dont like it, leave it be. You are not some kind of a hero who protect people from evils. You are just a fan. Yes, idol needs their fans but we are not his 'LanZhan' who 'protects' him from evils. So lets just stop being mean to others. Its NOT his fault at all. I am againts the band of AO3, but I dont think attacking Xiao Zhan is a good thing to do either. Calm down, cool down. Like a comment I read before, we are doing the exact thing that happened in the drama. We fight for this 'tiger seal' we dont even know what is that thing. And we make a person hurt so much. Please dont make him do what his character did. He wont come back 16 years later and we will regret what we did for the rest of our life. So please, please... Be a good person and stop this madness.. Stop hating on others and lets try to co-exist in this world peacefully, okay?

[@loanthanh4724]

Angeru Hatake - Lots of people don’t understand & still want to blame every thing on XZ while they know that XZ has nothing to do with this mess, he’s innocent. He’s said before to his fans that they will grow up & protecting each other together. Now his fans make a big mess & he’s the one willing to stand out & take all the blame to himself. Those stupid fans are using him as a shield to protect them. I can’t believe that he can do that & I’m sure he knew the consequences that not just 36k fandoms from AO3 will attack him but also many people out there want to bring him down by ruin his career.

[@kaying1951]

It's not Xiao Zhan's fault, who did nothing, and whose freedom of speech might be restrained by contract. There's nothing wrong with fanfiction writers. I read fanfictions too. It's also not wrong for the Chinese fan to report the specific fanfiction to their government, when Chinese laws happen to allow, accept, process, then execute it. But if the setting is in US, then reporting a fanfiction out of fantasy, with warning of ratings to an US government, is absolutely rude and ridiculous, where most kind of fantasies is allowed and legal in US. If there's one thing to blame, it's the setting. Where law happened to be this way in China, even though AO3 is not a Chinese website. What happened happened, and mere citizens can't change a country's law. This is what I would do if I am a writer in China: Found another fanfiction home online, or rebuild a new one, kind of like ' who moved my cheese' spirit. I understand the writers' frustration, but we gotta accept nothing stays forever. In some situations, we have no choice but learn to adapt, and stay creative. And the most important thing: Move on. When the parties (fans and writers) waste time to hate and attack each other, they are losing sight on what they can achieve in life and withering like forgotten pot plants. I like Xiao Zhan as an actor, performer, and a rare good example for young generations. What happened is unlucky and out of his control, but with his high EQ and positive personality, I don't worry about him at all.

[@konictv916]

Xiao Zhan is of the the kindest persons out there. Why always the innocents get targeted? What is happening 😢

[@rulialee9802]

He stayed silent even when his fans started causing people to commit suicide. They doxxed people, went to the places they worked or studied at just to harass them. His fans were so supportive of him they even spent so much money on the products he endorsed, so imagine the difference his words could've made.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Rulia Lee his words could’ve been taken out of context and used to harm him and others. I also heard he lost his grandfather around March and was in mourning. I think too much happened too fast and his agency also didn’t do a good job managing the situation. I don’t think he deserves the full blame though. One man can’t possibly control that many crazy fans.

[@shinchannohara4830]

@@rulialee9802 but what was he supposed to do, would those homophobic crazy toxic fans would hear?

[@shinchannohara4830]

@@rulialee9802 I don't know I'm sad about this whole situation, only if homophobics and toxic fans never existed