by Ceki, October 9, 2018
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It is the fact that Fan Bing Bing is one of the most known and famous Chinese actresses ever.

Born into a humble family in 1981, she entered the competitive and male-oriented Chinese entertainment industry and started slowly but surely climbing the fame ladder.  

She has made strong connections, sued companies and clinics for plastic surgery allegations, created her own production company, and worked really hard to become where she is now, which included releasing 4 to 5 films per one year. That's not all - she's also listed as the highest-paid actress in the world and the most famous Chinese actress who's walked the international red carpets wearing clothes by the most celebrated designers. Impressive, right?

She disappeared in July 2018 and nobody has seen or heard from her until October 3 when she issued a public apology on her Weibo account, admitting to the tax evasion allegations:

Recently, I have experienced pain and suffering that I have never experienced before. I have carried out profound reflections. I am deeply ashamed and guilty about what I have done. I sincerely apologize to everyone!

For a long time, I did not distinguish between national, social, and personal interests. On the set of Air Strike, I used ‘split contracts’ for tax evasion purposes, an act which I am deeply ashamed of. While coordinating with the tax authorities’ inspections of my company and myself, I have deeply reflected: as a public figure, I should abide by the law, and play a leading role in society and in the industry. I should not lose myself in the face of financial interests, relax the rules, and violate the law. Here, I sincerely apologize to society, the friends who care about me, the public, and to the national tax authorities.

After the tax authorities’ investigation, I will completely accept any punitive measures according to the law. I will try my best to overcome all difficulties to raise funds, pay taxes, and pay fines according to the final decision of the tax authorities.

From an early age, I have liked performing arts. Coupled with the flourishing of the film and television industries, the support of many seniors and love of the audience, along with my continuous efforts, I made a little achievement in performing arts. As an artist, I am always proud of being able to showcase my culture on the world stage, and I spare no effort for it. It can be said that each of my achievements cannot be separated from the support of the state and the people. Without the good policies of the party and the state, and without the love of the people, there would be no Fan Bing Bing.

Today, I am deeply unsettled by my own wrongdoings! I disappointed my country’s cultivation towards me, society’s trust, and fans’ love for me! Here, I sincerely apologize to everyone! Please forgive me!

I believe that after this rectification, I will make sure to closely follow the rules and be responsible.  While giving good productions to everyone, I must also supervise my company management to make sure it is law-abiding, honest, and trustworthy, striving to make it a good company with rich cultural connotations and spread positive energy to the entire society!

Once again, I sincerely apologize to society, the fans who have always supported me, the friends and family who care for me!

Apparently, Fan Bing Bing got arrested at the end of July in Nanjing, Jiangsu, on the 20th floor of the Dezi Plaza. After getting arrested by authorities, Fan Bing Bing left the building with a bag over her head. 

However, she has been presumed missing until October 3 because nobody has seen her since July 23 and she hasn't used her social media since then, except for logging in shortly for her birthday. People suspected that she was banned or arrested, and her public apology confirmed these rumours.

The Chinese authorities ordered Fan to pay around 883 million yuan ($129 million) in taxes, fines, and penalties in order to avoid criminal prosecution.

However, the 37-year-old actress shouldn't have any problems paying back this amount of money; after all, she owns several overseas properties, and her total worth is estimated to be 7 billion yuan ($1 billion).

But what about public shame and disgrace? It's been rumoured that she might lose more than a hundred brand endorsements, and her wedding to Chinese actor Li Chen has been postponed. She also has more than a few upcoming projects such as The Legend of Ba Qing, The Perfect Blue, and L.O.R.D 2.

Fan Bing Bing is also supposed to star in three western films: The King's Daughter, 355, and Air Strike. It is unsure whether this scandal will affect her appearance in them.


What do you think about Fan Bing Bing's tax evasion scandal?
Is it deserved or too much?

Thanks for reading!


Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4)

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