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| Influencer Pushes Back After Jolin Tsai’s Team Moves to Sue Over Concert Claims (Photo: SETN) |
Mandopop icon Jolin Tsai rarely reacts to online noise, but this time, the chatter around her PLEASURE concert crossed a line. What began as praise for one of the most visually ambitious Mandopop tours in recent years quickly turned into a heated online debate, forcing her team into a rare and decisive response.
The PLEASURE concert wrapped up its Taipei Dome run to sold-out crowds and strong word of mouth. With massive stage props including a towering serpent, a golden pig, and a bull, the show leaned fully into its “paradise” concept, blending theatrical imagery with high-budget spectacle.
Clips from the concert spread rapidly across short-video platforms, but some edited videos were reposted with provocative captions, accusing the show of hidden meanings and so-called “cult-like” symbolism.
The situation escalated when Jolin Tsai’s concert organisers issued a formal statement announcing legal action against Douyin influencer Silia, also known as Celia Liang.
According to the organisers, the influencer’s videos falsely linked the concert to conspiratorial themes and encouraged personal attacks against the singer.
The team stated clearly that the claims were misleading and damaging, marking one of the very few times in Jolin Tsai’s 26-year career that legal measures have been taken against online commentary.
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Fans were quick to rally behind her. Many praised the decision, saying the silence-and-endure approach had gone too far in recent years and that clear boundaries were overdue.
Some fans also pointed out that the concert’s themes were openly discussed in official materials, with no hidden messaging, arguing that selective editing had distorted the original artistic intent.
Celia Liang, a former talent show contestant turned influencer, responded almost immediately with a video titled “Jolin Tsai Is Suing Me?” In it, she claimed her content was purely for entertainment and commentary, adding that she was not the first person to analyse pop concerts through symbolic lenses.
She further argued that concepts such as “human paradise” and references to the “seven deadly sins” were long-standing Western cultural motifs rather than targeted messaging. Her caption, however, raised eyebrows, as she described being named in the lawsuit as an “honour” and suggested the removal of her video was due to mass reporting rather than legal pressure.
Meanwhile, Jolin Tsai herself kept things calm and straightforward. Speaking after the Taipei shows, she clarified that the giant props were designed exclusively for the PLEASURE tour and would not appear at award ceremonies.
She also confirmed there were no surprise performances planned, reinforcing that each appearance has its own purpose rather than being a continuation of the tour’s theatrical setup.
Despite the online storm, her upcoming mainland China tour appears unaffected. Industry watchers note that there have been no official objections raised so far, suggesting the controversy remains largely an online discourse rather than an operational issue.
Online reactions remain divided. Supporters argue that pop concerts should be judged as art and performance, not conspiracy fuel, and accuse critics of chasing traffic through outrage.
Others insist public figures should expect scrutiny, even if their interpretations are unpopular. Still, the majority sentiment appears to lean towards fatigue with exaggerated claims and support for clearer accountability in online commentary.
What’s your take on this situation? Are pop performances fair game for extreme interpretations, or did this go too far?