On the night of August 13, actress Zhao Lusi went live and, for the first time, directly addressed the rumors that she had been assaulted by her management company, Galaxy Cool Entertainment’s boss. She stated that she wouldn’t go as far as to call it a “beating,” but confirmed that there was indeed a physical altercation.
Zhao recalled that the incident happened after she failed to secure a new acting role. She was scolded in the company restroom for three hours. The boss then told her to “leave.” As she went to get her bag, the boss—who had been drinking—chased after her, grabbed her hair, and slapped her in the face.
“That happened at around four in the morning,” Zhao said. A few hours later, at about seven, the boss called her mother and indirectly brought up the incident. She added that her mother had the habit of recording calls, so the entire conversation was captured on tape.
Company Previously Denied the Allegations, Says It Will Respond Gradually
Before Zhao’s livestream remarks, on August 12, staff from Galaxy Cool Entertainment told the media: “That’s not true. The company will respond to the situation in due course. We are also reviewing online comments one by one.”
Friend’s Earlier Claims Resurface, Drawing Attention Again
It is reported that in late 2024, a friend of Zhao’s had already spoken out, alleging that the incident occurred in April 2019. At the time, Zhao was in Beijing for an audition, but at 2 a.m. she was verbally abused and hit by the company boss. He allegedly blamed her for failing the audition and for “being fat.” He later apologized, claiming he was drunk.
The friend also said that, because her contract had not yet expired, Zhao did not want to fall out with the company. The boss even complained to Zhao’s mother, saying she was “disobedient.” The friend stressed that all of these details had been confirmed by Zhao herself before being made public.
Public Discussion Intensifies
Zhao Lusi’s livestream statement has reignited public debate over the matter. As of now, Galaxy Cool Entertainment has not issued a further response to her latest claims. Online, netizens continue to discuss the incident—some expressing sympathy for Zhao, while others call for relevant authorities to investigate and provide a fair conclusion.
