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| Zhou Yutong Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Netizens Debate Alleged Snub of Zhang Ruonan (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese actress Zhou Yutong is once again trending online, but this time it has little to do with her acting and everything to do with a single social media post that set off a fresh wave of discussion. What started as a simple thank-you message following promotional screenings for her latest drama Swords into Plowshares has now turned into a full-blown conversation about celebrity friendships, public etiquette, and how small details can quickly spiral in the spotlight.
The drama began when several actors were reported to have hosted special screenings to support Swords into Plowshares during its broadcast period. Among those showing support were Wu Yue, Lin Yun, and Zhang Ruonan, gestures that many viewers saw as quiet but meaningful encouragement for Zhou Yutong amid a period of mixed public opinion.
However, when Zhou Yutong later posted her public thanks online, netizens quickly noticed that while Wu Yue and Lin Yun were mentioned by name, Zhang Ruonan was not.
Her warm reply to Lin Yun, including a term of endearment, only intensified the contrast. The omission didn’t go unnoticed, and discussion soon spread across social platforms.
For many viewers, the issue wasn’t just about a missing name. Some framed it as a sign of uneven appreciation, reviving the popular phrase “plastic sisterhood” to describe friendships that appear close but may not hold up under scrutiny.
Others argued that public acknowledgements matter more than private gestures in an industry where every move is closely watched.
This incident also reopened earlier conversations about Zhou Yutong’s public image. In recent months, her appearance on a reality variety show had already drawn mixed reactions, with some viewers questioning whether certain on-screen moments matched her previously warm and approachable reputation.
While she later shifted focus back to her acting career, the combination of past impressions and this new controversy added fuel to the fire.
As the debate grew louder, Zhou Yutong’s studio released an official clarification.
According to the statement, Zhou Yutong had already personally thanked Zhang Ruonan in private, and the absence of a public mention was described as a team oversight rather than intentional neglect.
The studio issued an apology, acknowledging the misunderstanding and the discussion it caused.
The statement also revealed a follow-up plan: Zhou Yutong intends to host a special screening in support of Zhang Ruonan and Bai Yu’s upcoming drama Live Up to Your Youth, positioning it as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
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Fans and netizens, however, remain divided. Some accepted the explanation and felt the backlash had gone too far, pointing out that not every interaction needs to be performed online.
Others expressed sympathy for Zhang Ruonan, noting her long-standing support, including sending refreshments to the set during filming, and felt the public silence was still disappointing regardless of intent.
A third group questioned why such oversights continue to happen in professionally managed teams, especially during sensitive periods.
What do you think — was this simply a harmless oversight, or a reminder that small gestures matter more than celebrities realise?