 |
| Due to a system error, consumers missed out on the discount, and Huang Zitao has personally covered the full difference. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo / 猫九阿酱) |
Chinese star Huang Zitao has found himself at the centre of heated debate after officially launching his own sanitary pad brand and livestreaming its production process.
Despite his efforts to prove the legitimacy and quality of his products, the move has triggered a sharp divide online, resulting in the sudden loss of over 460,000 followers.
 |
| After announcing his sanitary pad brand, Huang Zitao lost 460,000 followers – the topic quickly trended on Weibo. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo/@貓九阿醬) |
Huang, who has increasingly turned his focus to entrepreneurship in recent years, announced his venture into the feminine hygiene industry during a livestream on 11 April.
He showcased his independently-owned factory and highlighted that the products were not outsourced or manufactured through third-party vendors.
Huang Zitao stated that the entire production process is under his direct supervision and described the facility as a “fully transparent factory,” with live monitoring available.
According to him, the sanitary pads have passed 17 national health tests and hold a certified “medical-grade” status.
 |
| On April 11th, Huang Zitao emphasised that his brand's sanitary pads had passed 17 inspection tests. (Image: Screenshot from Weibo / Jimu News) |
Adding to the authenticity of the launch, Huang revealed that his wife, Xu Yiyang, personally tested the products and approved of their quality.
He also took accountability for a recent pricing glitch in the shopping system, offering to personally cover the refund discrepancies to reassure consumers.
While some fans applauded Huang’s transparency and sincerity, others questioned his motivations and credibility.
Critics accused him of jumping on the trend for publicity, with comments such as “he’s not a professional” and “just chasing hype.”
Nonetheless, a large number of netizens expressed support, saying, “I’m not a fan, but I’ll try the product,” and “anyone who dares to do this during such a scandal must believe in their product.”
The timing of Huang’s announcement is also notable, as it came shortly after China’s state broadcaster CCTV exposed a scandal involving refurbished and resold defective sanitary pads by several manufacturers.
The incident caused widespread outrage over consumer safety, particularly for women.
During his livestream, Huang Zitao directly referenced the scandal, expressing his disgust and saying, “People who do this should go to the eighteenth level of hell.”
He added that the exposure only strengthened his resolve to bring genuine, safe options to market.
Born into a wealthy business family, Huang Zitao is no stranger to commercial ventures.
His father, Huang Zhongdong, is a well-known entrepreneur in Qingdao, with an alleged fortune of over 20 billion yuan.
Over the past few years, Huang Zitao has built a strong presence in livestream e-commerce, with impressive sales performance across various products.
Despite accusations that his sanitary pad business is a money grab, Huang Zitao maintains that profit is not his goal.
“I know I’m not perfect,” he said, “but I just want to do the right thing.”
He insisted that this project was born out of his concern for women’s health and a desire to bring higher standards to the industry.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains uncertain whether the bold move will redefine Huang’s public image or deepen the divide among his followers. But one thing is clear—he’s made a statement that few in his position have dared to attempt.