The controversy surrounding actress Esther Yu and her family’s assets continues to grow, drawing increasing public attention. Although Yu and her father have both retained legal counsel to pursue defamation cases, the official statements have sparked skepticism within the legal community, and some of her commercial endorsements are beginning to show signs of strain.
Yu’s studio shared a law firm statement outlining progress on several reputation-related lawsuits. However, many observers pointed out that all the cases listed fall under “defamation,” a legal approach that the entertainment industry and its audience have grown accustomed to. Notably, most of the defendants named were individuals who had simply reposted content from a blogger known as “Lao Pan Finance,” yet the blogger himself was not included in the filing.
In contrast, Yu’s father has initiated legal action directly against Lao Pan Finance. Even so, the firm’s statement raised eyebrows: it was not a formal cease-and-desist letter, lacked an official seal, and used cautious wording such as “the client believes” rather than “the law firm asserts.” These details led some legal professionals to joke that the statement itself was “poorly drafted.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Yue Shenshan posted on social media, hinting at a potential “collapse” without naming names. His remarks prompted backlash from some of Yu’s fans, who even sent him private messages claiming the firm representing Yu could “ruin his career.” The move attracted widespread attention among lawyers online, with many joining the discussion and poking fun at the situation.
Beyond legal debates, Yu’s brand partnerships have already begun to feel the impact. A major dairy company quietly removed promotional content featuring her, later confirming that it was reviewing the situation internally and reiterating that the brand values “positive and healthy messaging.” Other brands have also paused collaborations, and one scheduled livestream event with Yu was postponed. In the entertainment world, such pauses are a familiar process when public controversies arise.
For now, Yu’s upcoming drama projects remain unaffected. Despite online rumors suggesting delays or potential recasting, insiders clarified that the period drama Yi Nian Jiangnan will proceed as planned, with Yu still listed as the lead actress in official announcements.
The outcome of the lawsuits remains to be seen, as final rulings can only be made by the courts. Since parts of the dispute involve state-owned assets, there are also calls for regulators to intervene and provide an authoritative conclusion. Ultimately, only a transparent investigation can resolve the controversy. If Yu’s family is indeed cleared, full cooperation with the process may help restore her reputation — while fans are encouraged to show their support in a rational and measured way.
