In a year when so many Chinese celebrities were cancelled due to scandals, singer Huo Zun who withdrew from the industry following accusations by his ex-girlfriend Chen Lu was not exempted. His ex claims he cheated, talked bad about her in group chats, etc. and also claims that he tried to buy her silence. He claims that she’s the one who wanted money and that he sent her 580k RMB (approx 90k USD) after they signed an agreement.
A blogger speaking on behalf of Chen Lu responded that the agreement between her and Huo Zun was not her extorting him, but rather, it was Huo Zun that proposed the agreement to enlist her help in protecting his image. He was afraid of his group chats leaking online. Chen Lu who said she had hoped they would still get back together at the time asked for 9 million RMB without thinking that he would agree. They allegedly cut a deal for him to pay 1 million RMB upon signing the agreement. Chen Lu has received 580k.
This September, a Weibo blogger (独立平) shared a video clip of the conversation that took place when Chen Lu and her friend Wang Meng went to speak with Huo Zun back in May. Seemingly in response to Huo Zun saying he doesn’t have that much money, Wang Meng can be heard saying, “This doesn’t seem to be a problem for us to consider,” though she adds that they can give a deadline. Chen Lu says, “You can borrow money, you have so many good bros.” Wang Meng said, “I have bank connections that can help you with the mortgage.” Huo Zun says, “I need to see the information since we’re already at this point.” Wang Meng responds that they should finish the agreement first. While Wang Meng was discussing the payment terms, Chen Lu adds, “I can give him a grace period of 18 days until September 18, his birthday, I’m so nice to him.”
Huo Zun and Chen Lu’s he-said, she-said has not ended. It’s clear that money was paid but the two have different versions on who initiated it and what the agreement was about. The video clip of the “negotiation” that took place has brought renewed attention towards the topic.
