China celebrity crackdown: Producer questions blacklists before legal system has its say

Famous producer Li Xuezheng (right) criticised a celebrity blacklist in China that included Zhang Zhehan (left), whose career is in jeopardy for visiting outside of Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine. Photos: Handout

A well-known Chinese producer questioned the legality of a recent blacklist of celebrities by an industry association, marking a rare public disagreement with the government’s crackdown on “poorly-behaved” entertainers.

Li Xuezheng, who earned his fame by producing the 2017 hit political drama In The Name Of The People, said the China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) does not have the legal authority to ostracise disgraced celebrities.