Zhao Lusi agency controversy explained: Locked in hotel while ill, gaslit and threatened — 5 key allegations

Zhao Lusi, one of China’s most popular stars, recently stunned fans with claims about how her health crisis was handled during the filming of her drama Almost Lover. In a series of statements, the Hidden Love actress accused her agency, KU Media, of emotional neglect, physical mistreatment, and even turning to spiritual rituals in place of medical care. Here’s everything we know so far.

In her own words, Zhao Lusi in a recent livestream, alleged that her management team denied her proper medical treatment when she fell seriously ill, and instead said she was "cursed" as the actress alleged.

"I was sick, and instead of taking me to see a doctor, you locked me in a hotel," she alleges.

In a candid Weibo post, Lusi publicly voiced her frustration and heartbreak, accusing her agency KU Media of financial misconduct and coercion. She alleged that KU breached financial agreements, withdrew over 2 million yuan from her personal studio without authorisation, and left her to bear mounting financial burdens alone, all while refusing to relinquish control over her studio’s operations.

She also detailed how KU allegedly manipulated her financial team into signing off on a disputed earnings report, and has yet to return operational authority, even though her studio has since completely disbanded. These revelations have added another layer to the growing scrutiny of her agency’s handling of both her health and career.

After falling ill, the actress was forced to cancel endorsement deals and cut back on filming. Although the company reportedly promised to take responsibility, Lusi says she was ultimately left to bear the consequences alone.

Zhao claimed that she was warned against speaking out, with threats that she could be blacklisted from the entertainment industry if she pursued public or legal action.

“They told me I might be blacklisted and should stay quiet. Is that what they call a solution?” she asked in her statement.

While exact dates remain unconfirmed by KU Media, Lusi’s health reportedly deteriorated in December 2023 during the filming of Almost Lover in Hangzhou. She had fallen ill and, according to her, was not taken to a hospital immediately.

In a separate message shared with a friend, Lusi described reaching a breaking point:

'Save me.'

This plea, reportedly sent on December 22 to her friend Zhirui, sparked public concern. Soon after, her condition was revealed to be more severe than initially suspected, including symptoms of aphasia—a condition affecting speech—requiring rehabilitation to regain her ability to walk and talk.

The controversy deepened when Zhao Lusi’s close friend, Song Nanxi, claimed publicly that Lusi had been physically assaulted and emotionally abused by the head of KU Media since 2019. These accusations, while not independently verified, were echoed by others in Lusi’s circle, including her stylist and assistant, who implied that the actress had been subjected to extended mistreatment, not just during Almost Lover, but over several years.

Following growing pressure from fans and the media, KU Media issued a brief statement in late December—after a leaked hospital photo of Zhao Lusi began circulating online. The statement, however, was met with skepticism. It referred to Lusi “suddenly” seeking medical attention on December 18, despite reports and eyewitness accounts suggesting she had been sick since at least December 14.

While Zhao Lusi’s own statements carry the most weight in this case, fans have been actively piecing together the timeline. Several fan sites noted that Lusi was visibly unwell on set in mid-December, using oxygen support and later seen being pushed in a wheelchair. According to fans, her team allegedly forced her to resume filming shortly after emergency treatment.

Other unverified claims include: