China’s disgraced basketball legend calls attention to sex scandals of other mainland stars

BEIJING (SCMP): Retired Chinese basketball legend Yi Jianlian has been embroiled in a sex scandal involving the solicitation of a transgender woman, who allegedly paid him $1,500.

The controversy has taken mainland social media by storm and rekindled discussions about previous sex scandals involving mainland celebrities.

Yi Jianlian, a 36-year-old father of two and married to model Jing Ling, played for the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks in a glittering career from 2007 to 2012.

The scandal erupted on October 17 when alleged WeChat images and messages were exposed, showing Yi engaging in escort services involving a transgender woman at a hotel in China.

The woman involved claims to have had sex with Yi and was allegedly paid $1,500 for her services. She also shared a nude photo and an ID card, which she claims belong to Yi.

Yi Jianlian has been accused of soliciting the services of a transgender female escort. – Photo: AFP

The accuser, a controversial figure on mainland social media, has been involved in several previous controversies, including a June 2023 accusation against a Chinese flight attendant for not using her pronouns correctly, and another incident where she was detained for inappropriate behavior in a public bathroom. center

However, many netizens online came to the defense of the basketball star, with many claiming the images appeared altered.

In response to the allegations, which Yi has yet to officially address, several brands including China Life Insurance Company, SAIC-GM and Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group have distanced themselves by removing his likeness from their advertisements.

The latest controversy has also brought other Chinese male celebrities previously involved in sex scandals back into the spotlight.

Kris Wu has been jailed for rape in China and faces deportation upon release from prison. – Photo: AFP

Chris Wu

A rape case involving Kris Wu Yifan, a Chinese-Canadian rapper and singer and one of China’s most influential young celebrities, has become one of the most notorious scandals in recent entertainment history.

Originally from Guangzhou and raised in Canada, Wu first gained fame as a member of the K-pop boy band EXO.

After leaving the group in 2016, he started a successful solo career in China as a singer and rapper, also establishing himself as a model for luxury brands.

The scandal unfolded in July 2021 when Du Meizhu, a 19-year-old Chinese university student, accused Wu on Weibo of raping her and 30 other women, some of whom were minors.

Wu denied the allegations, but was formally arrested and charged with rape in August 2021.

In November 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing sentenced Wu to 13 years in prison for rape and “group lewdness”. He will be deported after serving his sentence.

Actor Li Yifeng was arrested in 2022 and accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes. – Photo: AFP

Li Yifeng

Another well-known name in China, actor Li Yifeng, was arrested in September 2022, accused of repeatedly soliciting prostitutes.

Born in Chengdu in 1987, Li first came to public attention in 2007 after participating in a national TV talent show.

He later portrayed Chinese leader Mao Zedong in The Pioneer, a film released as part of the Chinese Communist Party centennial celebrations.

As China cracks down on “tainted” and “immoral” celebrities involved in activities such as drug use, visiting prostitutes or other illegal activities, Li has been unable to return.

Li Yundi was forced to rebuild his career abroad after his relationship with a sex worker. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Li Yundi

Renowned pianist Li Yundi was arrested by Beijing police in October 2021, along with a 29-year-old woman, on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute.

He rose to international fame at the age of 18 when he won the prestigious Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000 and became a regular on continental entertainment television shows.

In the wake of the scandal, his opportunities in China dwindled and led him to focus his career on international markets.

In October last year, Li made a successful comeback with a sold-out tour in Australia. – BREAKFAST OF SOUTHERN CHINA