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| Lay Zhang Yixing’s Studio Rejects “Disgraced Artist” Claims. (Credits: HK 01) |
Chinese singer-actor Lay Zhang Yixing has found himself at the centre of a wave of online speculation this week after rumours began circulating that the 34-year-old star had been labelled a “disgraced artist” and quietly removed from public activities.
His studio has now issued a firm response, dismissing the claims outright while confirming the performer is currently recovering from surgery and temporarily resting on medical advice.
In a statement released by the studio, the team stressed that Zhang Yixing has maintained a professional reputation throughout his career and has not been involved in any unlawful activities. The statement described the circulating allegations as fabricated claims spreading across social media.
According to the studio, “since the beginning, Mr. Zhang Yixing has always treated his career and identity as a public figure with respect and sincerity.”
It added that the singer-actor has consistently followed professional standards and that the claims portraying him as a “disgraced artist” or suggesting a blacklist are entirely untrue.
The statement also carried a clear warning aimed at accounts sharing the allegations. Lay Zhang’s team demanded that posts containing what they described as defamatory information be removed immediately.
The studio confirmed it has already authorised a legal team to collect evidence relating to posts spreading the rumours. Depending on the seriousness of the cases, they said further action could follow, including lawsuits or formal reports to authorities.
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| Lay Zhang Studio Threatens Legal Action Over Blacklisting Allegations |
In recent years, Chinese entertainment agencies have increasingly taken a hard line against viral speculation and online rumours, particularly when they threaten the reputation of high-profile performers.
The response from Zhang Yixing’s team follows that trend, signalling that the studio intends to challenge what it sees as damaging claims.
Alongside the denial, the studio also addressed the artist’s recent absence from public schedules.
According to the statement, Zhang Yixing recently underwent surgery and is currently in a recovery period that requires rest.
Reports circulating within Chinese media circles suggest the procedure was related to rhinitis and took place in early January 2026.
His team said the singer-actor is recovering according to medical guidance and gradually preparing to return to work.
They added that his work plans for April and May have already been arranged and are continuing as planned, indicating that the recovery period is not expected to disrupt his upcoming projects.
Despite the studio’s response, online speculation intensified earlier in the day when a trending topic claimed that “multiple events of a top-tier artist” had been cancelled.
A blogger known as Li Ji alleged that Zhang Yixing had been suspended from offline performances for a year.
The claim suggested the supposed suspension was linked to an issue involving the National Theatre of China and an earlier trip to South Korea where the actor was reportedly asked to return to China.
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However, critics of the claim were quick to challenge the narrative. Some online users pointed out that Zhang Yixing still appears on project listings associated with the National Theatre of China, raising doubts about the suspension story.
Reactions online have been mixed. Supporters of Zhang Yixing argue that the studio’s statement clearly addresses the central rumours and that the ongoing listing of theatre projects suggests there is no professional ban in place.
Others, however, say the situation remains unclear, pointing out that the specific claim about the National Theatre was not directly mentioned in the studio’s announcement.
Across Chinese social platforms, discussions have ranged from fans urging patience during the artist’s recovery to sceptical users questioning the origins of the viral claims.
For now, the only confirmed update is that Zhang Yixing is recovering from surgery and preparing for upcoming work later in the year.
What do you make of the rumours and the studio’s response?