Chinese Actress Zhao Lusi, best known for her hit roles in The Romance of Tiger and Rose and Hidden Love, has shocked fans and the entertainment world with her recent revelations about the mistreatment under her management agency, Tianjin Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co. Ltd. What seemed at first like a career pause due to illness has now unfolded into a disturbing story involving mental health struggles, financial exploitation, and even a forced exorcism.
Zhao Lusi vs. Galaxy Cool Entertainment
A Shocking Revelation
According to Zhao, she fell ill in December 2024 while filming the drama Lover and experienced severe anxiety and depression. Instead of getting her proper medical help, she claimed her agency locked her in a hotel room and arranged for a shaman to perform an exorcism ritual. To strengthen her case, Zhao shared hospital documents confirming she had been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression.
She also accused the agency of unilaterally withdrawing more than two million yuan—about $280,000 USD – from her personal studio account to cover production losses, without consulting her. On top of that, Zhao alleged years of mistreatment, including verbal and physical abuse. One story that left fans speechless involved her being scolded for hours at two in the morning in a bathroom, simply for failing an audition.
The Strained Relationship Between Stars and Agencies
For Zhao, this is not just about personal mistreatment — it’s also about the broken system that governs how stars and agencies work together. When she was only seventeen, she signed a long-term contract with Galaxy Cool Entertainment. At that time, she had little bargaining power, and like many newcomers, she had to accept profit splits that learned heavily in favour of the agency.
But as Zhao rose to fame and became a household name, the balance of power shifted. From her perspective, the agency no longer supported her career growth, yet continued to take a massive share of her earnings. From the company’s perspective, however, Zhao was their most valuable asset — reportedly responsible for nearly eighty percent of their income, and they were unwilling to let her go..
This clash is not unique. Across the entertainment industry, artists often grow resentful of contracts they once accepted, while agencies fight ot hold on to their biggest stars. The results? Relationships that once seemed strong often end in public disputes and messy breakups.
Zhao Lusi vs. Galaxy Cool Entertainment
Going Public: Bold Move or Risky Gamble?
One thing that makes Zhao’s situation different is her decision to take the fight public. On August 2, she posted on Weibo about the forced exorcism and contract disputed, and since then, she has gone live almost daily on Xiaohongshu. Through tears and raw honesty, she has spoken about everything from her family’s struggles to her career disappointments.
Fans have embraced her vulnerability, flooding her social media with support and standing firmly by her side. But industry insiders see it differently. Some producers have already stated that hiring Zhao is too risky, fearing she might not complete filming or that her livestreams could cause further controversies. By choosing to air her grievances so openly, Zhao has gained public sympathy but may have to jeopardise her future career opportunities.
Can Zhao Lusi Legally Break Free?
The big question now is whether Zhao can legally free herself from her contract. Most talent agreements in China are heavily tilted toward agencies, with strict penalties for early termination. Zhao may face claims from brands, film crews, and her agency itself, adding up to millions in potential compensation.
However, some legal experts suggest that her depression diagnosis could be considered as “occupational injury,” which may give her grounds to terminate the contract without paying the full penalties. Others argue that her best path forward is to negotiate quietly behind closed doors, rather than continuing to escalate the battle online.
A Bigger Problem Than One Star
Zhao Lusi’s story is heartbreaking, but it also reflects systemic flaws within the entertainment industry. Mental health is often ignored, long-term contracts are exploitative, and agencies hold disproportionate power over young artists who feel they have no choice but to comply. If even a star as successful as Zhao can be pushed to the brink, the situation for less-famous actors is even more dire.
Her story also resonated because of her vulnerability. At one point, Zhao admitted she had considered quitting the entertainment industry entirely and opening a noodle shop. From being a bright star loved by millions to someone questioning whether the industry is worth her pain, Zhao’s journey has touched fans deeply.
Final Thoughts
Whether Zhao ultimately walks away from her agency or finds a way to rebuild her career, her courage in speaking out has already made an impact. She has forced a conversation about artist rights, mental health awareness, and the exploitative practices of agencies.
Her fight is not just her own. It represents every young star who has ever been silenced, pressured, or exploited by those in power. And while her career future may be uncertain, one thing is undeniable: fans are firmly by her side, and her story has become a rallying cry for fairer treatment in the entertainment world.
Also Read: Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan a Powerful Tale of heartbreak, Love’s Ambition 2025