Li Mingde and Ma Tianyu Controversy Dominates Social Media for Two Days Amid Conflicting Responses

Controversy Erupts: Li Mingde Accuses Ma Tianyu of Unprofessional Behavior

On January 4, 2025, actor Li Mingde took to Weibo to voice his grievances against the Three’s Company production team and his co-star, Ma Tianyu. Li claimed that Ma had repeatedly failed to attend script readings, arrived late to set, and delivered lines poorly during filming. In one instance, Li alleged that he waited for 40 minutes in freezing temperatures of -17°C in Changchun, only to find Ma unprepared and unprofessional during their scene together. These accusations quickly went viral, with the hashtag #LiMingdeAccusesMaTianyu trending at the top of Weibo’s hot search list.

Li further alleged that he was unfairly dismissed from the production, with the team citing his own “unprofessional behavior” as the reason. He also accused the production of favoring Ma due to his higher popularity and fan base. These claims ignited a fierce debate among netizens, with many expressing sympathy for Li’s plight while others questioned the validity of his accusations.

Production Team and Ma Tianyu Respond: Denials and Counterclaims

In response to Li’s accusations, the Three’s Company production team issued a statement on January 4, refuting his claims and providing a detailed account of his alleged misconduct. The statement revealed that Li had repeatedly missed scheduled script readings, left the set without notice, and even damaged hotel property, causing significant delays in filming. The team emphasized that these actions violated the terms of his contract, leading to his termination on January 4.

Ma Tianyu also addressed the controversy, denying any unprofessional behavior on his part. In a statement released by his studio, Ma asserted that he had always adhered to the production schedule and never caused delays for other actors. He further expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating that he had approached the project with sincerity and professionalism.

Li Mingde Fights Back: Live Streams and Social Media Clashes

Undeterred by the production team’s response, Li Mingde continued to air his grievances on social media. In a live stream, he challenged Ma Tianyu to a public confrontation, stating, “Let’s face this openly. I’m willing to return to Changchun and film another scene to prove my point.” Li also accused the production team of threatening him and expressed his willingness to leave the entertainment industry if necessary, stating that he would rather farm or engage in live streaming than endure further mistreatment.

Li’s bold statements resonated with many netizens, who praised his courage in speaking out against industry injustices. However, others criticized his approach, arguing that his public outbursts could harm his career and reputation. Despite the backlash, Li remained steadfast, vowing to continue his fight for fairness and transparency in the industry.

Industry Reactions: Divided Opinions and Broader Implications

The dispute has drawn reactions from various industry figures, further fueling the debate. Some, like producer Sun Lin, publicly expressed support for Li, praising his bravery and offering him future collaboration opportunities. Others, however, sided with the production team, citing Li’s alleged unprofessionalism as the root cause of the conflict.

The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the treatment of actors in the entertainment industry, particularly those with less influence. Many netizens have called for greater accountability and transparency in production practices, urging studios to address issues of favoritism and unfair treatment.

Ongoing Fallout: Social Media Trends and Public Sentiment

As the dispute unfolds, both Li Mingde and Ma Tianyu have seen their Weibo follower counts fluctuate dramatically. Li’s followers surged from 485,000 to over 589,000 within a day, reflecting widespread support for his outspoken stance. Meanwhile, Ma Tianyu faced criticism for his initial response, which some interpreted as dismissive of mental health issues, leading him to delete several posts.

The controversy has also overshadowed other major entertainment events, including the annual Tencent Video Starlight Awards. Netizens have dubbed the situation a “social media storm,” with many expressing hope for a resolution that addresses the underlying issues of fairness and professionalism in the industry.

As the drama continues to unfold, the entertainment industry and its observers remain divided, with the outcome likely to have lasting implications for all parties involved.