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| Zhang Xincheng Speaks Out as Studio Condemns Stalking and Privacy Breaches. (Credits: Sina/Weibo) |
Chinese actor Zhang Xincheng, also known internationally as Steven Zhang, has drawn a clear line after his studio issued a strongly worded statement condemning repeated stalking and privacy intrusions. Released on 16 July, the statement addressed a growing number of incidents involving individuals who allegedly crossed personal boundaries, prompting the actor's team to begin gathering evidence and pursue legal action where necessary. Fame may come with public attention, but it certainly does not come with a free pass to follow someone everywhere they go.
According to the official statement, Zhang Xincheng has recently been subjected to a series of persistent incidents that extended well beyond normal fan behaviour.
His studio said individuals had allegedly followed his flights, tracked his vehicles, shadowed his private movements, waited outside hotels, surrounded locations he visited and taken photographs from extremely close range without permission.
The team described these actions as serious invasions of privacy rather than expressions of admiration. The studio stressed that evidence connected to these incidents has already been preserved and will be used to protect the actor's legal rights.
It also confirmed that similar cases will continue to be documented as part of a long-term effort to respond firmly to behaviour that disrupts the actor's personal life. The message was straightforward: support is appreciated, but turning into someone's unofficial travel companion was never part of the fan handbook.
Beyond the alleged stalking incidents, Zhang Xincheng's team also criticised the illegal circulation and sale of personal information. The statement specifically highlighted concerns over leaked travel schedules, identity details and other private data being shared online.
Fans were urged not to purchase, distribute or access any material obtained through unlawful means, warning that such actions only encourage further violations of personal privacy.
The studio also made a point of thanking fans who have consistently supported Zhang Xincheng respectfully over the years. It said the actor remains grateful for genuine encouragement and always values opportunities to meet supporters during official events.
However, it emphasised that appreciation for fans should never be mistaken for acceptance of obsessive behaviour that ignores personal boundaries. Admiring an actor is one thing; treating every airport like an exclusive fan meeting is quite another.
The statement further revealed that the studio will now routinely collect evidence relating to future incidents and pursue accountability more rigorously.
It also called on the wider fan community to help discourage behaviour that places performers in uncomfortable or unsafe situations, arguing that protecting privacy is a shared responsibility rather than a one-sided effort.
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Fans have reacted with mixed but largely supportive views across Chinese social media. Many praised Zhang Xincheng and his studio for speaking publicly instead of remaining silent, saying stronger action has become increasingly necessary as personal boundaries continue to be tested.
Others expressed frustration that a small number of obsessive individuals often overshadow respectful supporters who simply enjoy the actor's work. Several commenters also argued that leaking private schedules or following celebrities outside official appearances should never be treated as ordinary fan culture.
The discussion has once again placed celebrity privacy firmly in the spotlight, with many hoping the statement encourages healthier interactions between public figures and their audiences.
As conversations continue, plenty of fans are backing Zhang Xincheng's decision to protect his personal space while reminding others that genuine support should never come at the expense of someone's privacy. What do you think? Should entertainment agencies take even stronger action against repeated privacy violations, or is greater awareness among fan communities the real solution?