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| Qu Wanting Reportedly Tests a Comeback Amid Ongoing Controversy. (Photo: Yahoo) |
Chinese-Canadian singer Qu Wanting is once again making headlines after reports claimed she quietly attempted to return to the entertainment industry. The buzz started when a newly opened social media account believed to belong to her appeared online, only to be wiped clean in less than 24 hours, fuelling immediate speculation about a potential comeback.
The brief activity was enough to send fans and critics into overdrive. For an artist who has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, even the smallest digital footprint was bound to attract attention. Screenshots circulated quickly before the account went blank, with many questioning whether this was a soft launch gone wrong or a trial balloon to test public reaction.
Her name, however, continues to be closely linked to the high-profile corruption case involving her mother, Zhang Mingjie.
In 2021, Zhang Mingjie was sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption, bribery and abuse of power. The case reportedly caused public asset losses of around 230 million yuan, with all her personal assets confiscated by the state.
For years, Qu Wanting has faced scrutiny from sections of the public who believe she indirectly benefited from the funds involved in the case.
She has been living overseas and maintaining what many describe as a comfortable lifestyle, while critics argue that she has never publicly apologised or addressed the controversy in a way they consider satisfactory.
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In past interviews and social media posts, Qu Wanting has consistently expressed support for her mother. She once wrote, “No matter what the world says, my mother in my eyes is always innocent.” In another post, she added, “I believe in the law, and I believe justice will eventually prevail.”
These remarks, intended to defend her family, instead intensified online debate at the time.
Adding to the renewed discussion, Chinese corporate data platforms reported that in late 2025, a court published a civil judgment involving a heating supply contract dispute between a heating company and Qu Wanting.
The court document revealed that a property under her name had been seized since 2022 as part of the asset confiscation process linked to Zhang Mingjie’s case.
According to the ruling, Qu Wanting was ordered to pay 33,302.01 yuan in outstanding heating fees covering the periods 2015–2017 and 2019–2022, including late payment penalties.
While the amount itself is relatively modest compared to the scale of the original corruption case, the timing of the publicised ruling has only added fuel to the ongoing discourse.
Some long-time fans argue that Qu Wanting should not be permanently judged for her mother’s actions. Supporters claim she built her own music career independently and deserves a second chance.
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“She’s an artist, not a politician,” one fan commented. Others believe that time has passed and that audiences should separate personal family matters from professional work.
On the other hand, many netizens remain unconvinced. Critics say any attempt at a comeback without a clear public stance on the controversy will inevitably face backlash.
For them, accountability and transparency remain key issues. A number of users also pointed out that deleting the new account so quickly may indicate awareness of the sensitive public mood.
From an industry perspective, a potential return would not be straightforward. Brand endorsements, public appearances and broadcast opportunities in mainland China are often influenced by public sentiment and regulatory scrutiny. Even a small ripple can quickly turn into a storm online.
If she does decide to step back into the spotlight, it will likely require a carefully managed strategy and perhaps a more direct response to the issues that continue to shadow her career.
Do you think the public will accept her return, or is the controversy too deeply rooted? Should artists be held accountable for their family members’ legal troubles?