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| Xiang Hanzhi vs Angelababy Comparisons Resurface After Smoking Controversy (Photo: Sohu) |
Chinese actress Julia Xiang Hanzhi found herself trending across social media on 9 January 2026 after a video surfaced showing her smoking inside an indoor card-playing room. What began as a short clip quickly snowballed into a heated online discussion about public responsibility, celebrity behaviour, and where the line between private life and public accountability really sits.
The footage, which spread rapidly within hours, sparked criticism over indoor smoking etiquette and public conduct.
Many netizens questioned how such behaviour aligns with the expectations placed on public figures, especially in enclosed public spaces. The discussion escalated fast, turning the clip into a full-blown controversy by midday.
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Xiang Hanzhi responded the same afternoon with a public apology. In her statement, she openly acknowledged that smoking indoors was inappropriate, admitting it could disturb others and set a poor example.
She accepted public criticism, expressed genuine regret, and said she would reflect seriously on her actions while committing to behaving more responsibly in the future.
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Her quick response was widely seen as a smart and mature move. Many netizens praised her for not making excuses or shifting blame, noting that prompt accountability often matters more than perfection.
For some, her reaction helped cool tensions and showed awareness of her role in the public eye.
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However, the situation didn’t end there. While Xiang Hanzhi kept a low profile after apologising, parts of her fanbase took a different route.
Some fans attempted to justify the incident, claiming the card room allowed smoking or arguing that those present would not have been bothered. These defences backfired when Xiang’s own apology contradicted those claims, fuelling frustration rather than easing it.
As a result, online discourse shifted from the incident itself to fan behaviour. Many netizens criticised what they saw as over-defensive reactions, saying accountability should apply equally to all celebrities regardless of gender or popularity.
The debate widened into a broader conversation about double standards, public scrutiny, and whether fans sometimes do more harm than good when controversies arise.
The issue also reignited comparisons with Angelababy, who previously faced similar criticism over indoor smoking.
Netizens pointed out differences in public statements, noting that while Angelababy once promised to quit smoking, Xiang Hanzhi focused more on acknowledging responsibility without announcing specific corrective steps.
This contrast alone became another point of contention, with opinions split over which approach felt more sincere.
Public reaction overall remains mixed. Some believe Xiang Hanzhi handled the matter correctly and deserves space to move on, while others feel the controversy highlights ongoing problems in celebrity culture, including blurred boundaries between privacy, public behaviour, and fan entitlement.
What’s clear is that the incident has once again shown how quickly small moments can spiral when captured on camera.
Do you think Xiang Hanzhi’s apology should close the chapter, or did fan behaviour make things worse?