Lu Han’s Social Media Accounts Restricted Studio Issues Apology

On January 6, 2025, Chinese pop star Lu Han faced significant backlash as his accounts on major social media platforms, including Douyin (TikTok), Weibo, and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), were restricted from being followed by users. When attempting to access Lu Han’s Xiaohongshu account, a notification appeared stating, “This user has been restricted from being followed due to violations of community guidelines.” The restriction sparked immediate attention, with the hashtag #LuHanSocialMediaRestricted quickly trending at the top of Weibo’s hot search list, drawing widespread discussion and concern from netizens.

Lu Han, one of China’s most popular celebrities with over 60 million followers on Weibo alone, found himself at the center of controversy following a recent live stream. While the exact details of the incident remain unclear, multiple sources suggest that the restriction may be linked to an offensive gesture, such as raising his middle finger, during the broadcast. This alleged behavior has raised questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the consequences of their actions on social media platforms.

In response to the growing controversy, Lu Han’s studio issued an official statement on the afternoon of January 6. The statement, posted on Weibo, read: “On behalf of Mr. Lu Han, we hereby issue the following apology: Due to inappropriate behavior during a recent live stream, I sincerely apologize. I am committed to mitigating any negative social impact caused by this incident and will take full responsibility as a public figure. Moving forward, I will hold myself to higher standards and express my remorse through actions.”

The incident has put Lu Han’s public image under scrutiny, despite his established reputation as a versatile and influential artist. A former member of the K-pop group EXO, Lu Han has been a prominent figure in the Chinese entertainment industry since his return to China in 2014. Known for his roles in films like Miss Granny and The Witness, as well as his successful music career, Lu Han has long been regarded as a role model for many fans. However, this recent controversy has prompted discussions about the accountability of celebrities and the need for clearer guidelines on social media platforms.

As the situation unfolds, fans and critics alike call for greater transparency and responsibility from public figures. Lu Han’s studio has assured the public that he will take steps to rectify his behavior and uphold his responsibilities as a role model. For now, Lu Han’s accounts remain active, but the restriction on new followers serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism, particularly in the digital age where actions can have far-reaching consequences.

The incident has also reignited debates about the pressures celebrities face in the age of social media and the need for platforms to enforce community guidelines consistently. As Lu Han works to rebuild trust with his audience, the entertainment industry and its observers will be watching closely to see how this controversy shapes his career moving forward.