 |
| Zhang Haowei Addresses Court Verdict on Alleged Tax Scandal (Photo: Weibo/Zhang Hao Wei Studio) |
Chinese actor Zhang Haowei has officially had his name cleared after a court ruled that the widely circulated claims around alleged tax issues were entirely made up.
On 27 December, the court announced its verdict, confirming that the accusations which spread across social media last year were not based on facts.
Instead, the case revealed a calculated act of fabrication carried out by a former friend, surnamed Mao, following a financial dispute.
According to the ruling, Mao used technical methods to create fake audio recordings and edited chat screenshots.
 |
These materials were then handed to entertainment bloggers and released online, triggering massive public speculation and causing serious damage to Zhang Haowei’s reputation.
The court made it clear that the content shared online did not originate from Zhang Haowei and did not reflect reality. The manipulation was deemed a serious violation of personal rights, leading to Zhang Hao Wei winning the defamation lawsuit.
As part of the judgement, Mao has been ordered to issue a public apology and pay RMB 50,000 in damages. The case, which was filed in August 2024, took over a year to conclude.
Zhang Haowei Responds: “Justice Has Finally Arrived”
 |
Following the verdict, Zhang Haowei released a personal statement through his social media account, describing the ruling as a long-awaited moment of relief.
He shared that staying patient and calm throughout the process was his way of responding to fans, colleagues, and friends who never doubted him.
Zhang Haowei also acknowledged how emotionally draining the past year had been, calling it a difficult test that he is now ready to leave behind.
Known to many viewers for his role as the Crown Prince in Joy of Life, Zhang openly expressed his hope to return for Joy of Life Season 3 if given the opportunity.
He hinted that the false rumours had once placed his acting future at risk, making the court’s decision even more meaningful.
 |
A Case That Highlights the Cost of Online Falsehoods
The court’s findings underline the real-world consequences of spreading unverified claims in the digital age, particularly when public figures are involved. What began as online gossip escalated into a legal battle that temporarily halted Zhang Haowei’s career and placed him under intense public scrutiny.
With the judgement now final, Zhang Haowei’s reputation has been formally restored, allowing him to move forward and gradually return to work in the entertainment industry.
As discussions continue online, many fans see this ruling not just as a personal victory for Zhang, but also as a reminder to question viral claims before accepting them as truth.
Now over to you — do you think cases like this will make people more cautious about online rumours? And would you like to see Zhang Haowei back in Joy of Life? Share your thoughts and let the conversation roll.