Youth with You 3 is set to air its season finale next week. While there have been controversies surrounding trainees earlier in the show, it seems the ones involving Tony Yu Jingtian (余景天) have cropped up at this critical juncture. Tony has consistently been a top contender and also placed first in the most recent round of eliminations. However, netizens are now calling for his withdrawal following back-to-back accusations.
Tony’s Parents Accused of Illegal Activities
Recently, there were rumors of Tony’s parents involvement in pornography and drugs. This dates back to 2009 when there were reports that the KTV run by Tony’s parents sold drugs and recruited women to offer sexual services. On April 30, Tony Yu Jingtian’s agency Astro Music issued a statement: “Yu Jingtian has not engaged in any of the negative behavior circulating online nor has he participated in activities that have a negative impact on society.”
Tony’s mother, Li Qin (李勤), also took to Weibo to deny all the allegations against her and her husband. She explained that their family immigrated to Vancouver in 2008. They already transferred ownership of the KTV to another party before immigrating and do not have any involvement in the business. However, they only completed the relevant paperwork upon returning to China in recent years. She also said that they are working with their lawyers to take action against the false rumors and are willing to cooperate with the investigation.
Questions About Tony Yu Jingtian’s Nationality
While his mother’s statement may have put the issue to rest, it seems another one has erupted. Tony’s introduction when he joined the 2019 South Korean show Produce X 101 as a contestant has drawn attention. At the time he said, “Hi everyone, my name is Tony, I’m from Canada but both my parents are from China that’s why my Korean isn’t that good.” Some netizens are criticizing Tony for saying he’s from Canada when he’s said on Youth with You 3 that he is proud to be Chinese. Furthermore, an entertainment blogger claims that Tony has dual citizenship from China and Canada. Since China does not recognize having two nationalities, it would be illegal for Tony to still hold a Chinese passport while holding a Canadian passport. Thus far, Tony’s side has not responded to the accusations.
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Anonymous
Wow ! Who would have guessed that being a dual citizen can be such a controversy, lol
Anon
Anybody would have easily guessed. All countries have laws regarding the status of dual citizenships.
Anonymous
Reply to Anon
Not anyone. Maybe if you had ties to China you could. But for an international audience like me, it’s shocking. Many countries have no problem with dual citizenship, in Africa, Americas and Europe. Many see the advantage in it as well. So for someone to be discriminated on the basis of that, is shocking.
Maelle
I understand it’s shocking, but if he indeed holds both a Canadian and Chinese passport, it’s illegal. I know there are some laws from Canadian-born Chinese that stipulate you can have a sort of “long-term resident permit” if you go back to Canada at least once every 6 months. However if he do have the two passports (and seeing we don’t have any statement from his company it might be the case) then it’s completely illegal in China – Even though a lot of people do it of course. If that’s the case, he might loose one of his citizenships, and depending on the ruling, can be banned from entering China/Canada in the future…
Didichan
Why is this even a thing .. poor boy
VicoSDL
Seriously ? So the boy must pay for his parents ? Jeez… Moreover, this is their private business. And discriminating him due to his citizenship, that’s honestly racism.
I love China but sometimes, they really take u it t too far
Shishi
I don’t get why this poor kid is getting attacked for something he didn’t do. The internet and general population seem to assume guilty until proven innocent. These are all rumors and no real evidence to support his parents were directly involved. Even if they were, why is he being held accountable? Same with the dual citizenship. No real evidence yet, and even if there were, arguably, that would also be his parents fault. An 18 year old wouldn’t go around applying for multiple citizenships. He’s passionate about music and dance. Just let him be!
Creamy
Oh My God leave the poor kid alone bitches. He didn’t do it so I don’t see why he have to withdraw from anything. All of this happened back in 2009 I don’t even know why we y’all people even bringing it up. Why the fuck are y’all trying to ruin someone career before it has even started. I’m angry now.
Creamy
I don’t see why it such a big deal to tell the truth MOTHER FUCKERS. Tony can be from Canada and be proud to be Chinese at the same time. I don’t see a problem with that at all. Y’all fuckers are just trying to make trouble because your lives are boring and pathetic so yall bring up shit from the past a try to make a big deal out of it because yall want to destroy others life to make yourself feel better. This shit is too ridiculous I have two nationality so what, I just want to laugh in the face of that person who brought this shit up.
Trinity
Even if his parents are guilty, what does that have to do with him? The sins of the parents aren’t the sins of the children.
And I didn’t know having a duel citizenship was such a big deal. My mom has a duel citizenship and there was never an issue so didn’t know other countries it was. But even if he has a Canadian citizenship, he is still ethnically Chinese.
People just want to make something out of nothing.
Goldpen
It is pathetic to pick on Tony Yu Jingtian because he has Dual Citizebship. Such envy and hatred does not belong in todays society. What are we teaching children if the adults behave like this. He is proud of all his heritage.