Douyin cracks down on exploitation of Barbie Hsu's death

In a significant move against unethical marketing practices, Chinese video-sharing platform Douyin said today that it has indefinitely banned several accounts linked to Zhang Lan, the former mother-in-law of late Taiwanese actress and TV host Barbie Hsu (known as "Big S"), as well as her ex-husband Wang Xiaofei for exploiting Hsu's recent death for commercial gain.

The ban follows widespread criticism of these accounts for spreading false information and improperly profiting from Hsu's passing. 

Hsu, best known for her role as Shan Cai in the hit Asian series Meteor Garden, passed away at the age of 48 after contracting pneumonia triggered by the flu during a family trip to Japan over the Lunar New Year. 

She is survived by her husband, Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, and two children from her previous marriage.

Zhang Lan (L) and Wang Xiaofei  Photo from website

Hsu's death has been met with intense media attention and public mourning. However, the sensitivity surrounding her passing was overshadowed by allegations that Zhang and Wang engaged in opportunistic marketing and shared misleading narratives about Hsu's financial and personal affairs.

One notable incident involved a livestream by an influencer associated with Zhang, who falsely claimed that Wang had chartered a private jet to transport Hsu’s ashes back to Taiwan. 

This claim sparked outrage among netizens, prompting Hsu's younger sister, Dee Hsu, to publicly refute the rumors. Despite the backlash, Zhang continued her live broadcast, which was eventually taken down due to mounting public criticism.

Zhang's actions, along with claims from her management team that Wang staged a sorrowful public display for sympathy, have further strained relations between Hsu's family and Wang. 

Barbie Hsu's manager, Liao Weiqi, accused Wang of orchestrating a scene in the rain to enhance his family's image, calling it a calculated move.

Douyin’s announcement emphasized its commitment to fostering a respectful online environment and reiterated its guidelines against sensationalism and misinformation. 

Many users have praised the platform's decision, viewing it as a step toward greater accountability among influencers and content creators, particularly in the wake of sensitive events like Hsu's death.

Barbie Hsu rose to fame at 17 in the mid-1990s alongside her younger sister in the pop music group S.O.S. The siblings later transitioned to hosting TV shows, gaining popularity for their sharp wit and humor. 

However, it was Hsu’s lead role in the iconic 2001 drama Meteor Garden that cemented her status as a household name across Asia. Her portrayal of an ordinary girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy resonated deeply with millions of fans.

Her passing has left a profound impact on fans and friends alike, sparking calls for her legacy to be honored with dignity and respect. 

As the controversy unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the memories of those who have passed are protected from exploitation in the ever-evolving world of social media.