Cai Xukun album release strategy in China sparks fraud allegations, fierce defence of artist and suspension of thousands of Weibo accounts

The legality of a musician’s attempt at a unique album roll-out was questioned by a media report earlier this week, causing online backlash and the rushed release of the rest of the album.

In April, Cai Xukun released six out of 11 songs from his forthcoming album Puzzle online, along with a message, “to be put on the shelf soon”, a wink at the planned full release of the physical product.