In recent weeks, actor Xu Kai has been caught in a storm of controversy over alleged chaotic relationships and private life scandals. Although both Yu Zheng and Xu Kai himself have issued statements denying rumors of infidelity, the growing discussion has already damaged his reputation, with some in the industry suggesting he could now be viewed as a “high-risk artist.”
The controversy began when actress Xu Lisha revealed she had once been in a relationship with Xu Kai, but during that time he was photographed on a date with fellow agency actress Zhao Qing. Xu Lisha posted accusations online, even sharing details of their interactions, including Xu Kai’s drunken behavior and his complicated approach to relationships. She claimed that after being exposed with Zhao Qing, Xu Kai pursued new romantic interests within his filming projects, all while still contacting her in attempts at reconciliation.
Although Xu Kai strongly denied allegations of “cheating,” “two-timing,” and “drunken coercion,” he did not address his tangled relationship history directly. With Yu Zheng’s name already attracting widespread attention, the controversy only grew louder.
Industry insiders have warned that if Xu Kai cannot repair his public image, it may affect his work in variety shows where he appears as a regular. Since editing around his role could prove too difficult, programs might resort to shelving episodes entirely. Previous cases in the industry have shown that artists involved in messy personal scandals often face similar outcomes, including complete removal from broadcasts.
Meanwhile, legal experts have raised another concern. Lawyer Zhang pointed out that Xu Lisha’s disclosure of private photos, videos, and chat records without consent may constitute an invasion of privacy, and if such material is used for profit, the consequences could be even more serious. He also noted that terms like “mistress” usually apply to extramarital affairs; using them in the context of dating could be considered defamation. Although Xu Lisha later explained that some photos and videos were “fan submissions,” the risk of violating privacy remains.
To make matters worse, Xu Kai was later accused by another ex-girlfriend of domestic violence, further damaging his reputation. Yu Zheng has since chosen to remain silent, seemingly hoping to let the controversy cool down, but the impact has already been felt.
This episode not only casts uncertainty over Xu Kai’s career but also serves as a reminder to celebrities in the entertainment industry: as public figures, they must act responsibly, stay disciplined, and maintain a positive image. Once credibility is lost, it can be very difficult to recover.
