On March 15, Chinese state media reported that actor Allen Deng Lun has been fined 106 million yuan (approx 16.6m USD) for committing tax fraud. According to the Shanghai Municipal Taxation Bureau, he has evaded personal income tax of 47.66 million yuan (approx 7m USD) and underpaid other personal income tax of 13.99 million yuan (approx 2m USD) between 2019-2020.
As the topic drew attention, the 29-year-old actor immediately issued a letter of apology. He wrote, “In the process of cooperating with the tax authorities, I have deeply self-examined and deeply realize my mistakes. I accept all the decisions of the tax authorities, I am willing to bear all relevant responsibilities and consequences and will continue to work hard as always. I deeply apologize for using up public resources during the epidemic.”
In 2018, Fan Bingbing suddenly disappeared only to return with a public apology for committing tax fraud. Although her works have not been able to air in China, the actress is still active on Chinese social media. In August 2021, Zheng Shuang became the next high-profile actress fined for tax evasion. Her social media presence and her works has been removed in China. Popular livestreamer Viya Huang Wei suffered the same fate as recently as last December.
Deng Lun also faces dire consequence. Similarly, he is no longer on Chinese social media as his Weibo, Douyin and his studio’s account were shut down. Several brands terminated their cooperation with him. Deng Lun’s unaired projects include Night Wanderer, Graduation Season and part 2 of Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity. He is a popular actor with a wholesome image, many endorsements and regular appearances in a number of hit variety shows. Many were surprised and disappointed over what happened.
Source: 1
Coralie
I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock. I was never a fan of FBB, ZS or any particular number of those celebs with tax evasion scandals, but Deng Lun! He’s a good actor and one I like! It’s a sad thought that he won’t grace TV for a long time… hopefully not forever. When he does make a comeback, I hope he comes prepared – humbled, wiser and more experienced to show he’s grown and truly apologetic for his actions.
XZF
I’m so sad to see this news also. I really like Deng Lun. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long to see his works again. I pray that no actors/actresses that I like will make this bad choice again. It’s not worth it.
Tina
I’m pretty shocked. He does have a wholesome image of someone who works hard and stays out of drama. Then again, I imagine a lot of celebrities evade tax, it’s just a matter of how much that it’ll attract authority’s attention.
I do think he’s a good actor and enjoy his works, so I hope his shows get to air sometime and he’s not completely cancelled. I was looking forward to Night Wanderer and Ying Yang Master (but that’s looking unlikely because of of Guo Jingming and now Deng Lun).
Applefish
>_> I don’t like or care for him but why evade tax? Just because you could? Don’t you already make so much money that it’s silly to evade tax? Because consequences are much worse: your career is gone, still have to pay tax, plus the fine, in an unforgiving culture and cancel country 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Plus you possibly will have to pay for any drama that can’t air now because of your scandals/drama! It’s just a case of as much as I don’t like him (because I don’t watch his drama or find him appeal like others), it is still a 🤦♀️ Shouldn’t you know better? Oh well >_> I guess fake ppl will come out at one point. I’m neutral about him, but this is brought on by him :/ if it’s true 0.o (still not sure if it’s true lol, simply because it’s such a silly thing to do after FBB!)
Lovehj
That’s a lot of money. Hopefully he set momey aside to pay for this. THese actors with this kind of money, they intend to hide these money. If it wasn’t intentional, they would hire accounting firm to handle their taxes. If he were in the USA, he would have to go to jail for tax evasion.
Thoughtful
Not to speak in defense of anyone who evade taxes, but I thought that the government had abolished ying-Yang contracts a while ago. That being the case, to what degree of the blame lies on the actor and his management; and what degree lies with his/her accountants? I’ve always believed that after a certain income, tax laws for people with multiple assets and income sources can be complicated; and wonder if some of these actors just delegate the task of managing their wealth to others without taking the trouble to oversee it themselves. People who know better than me should please chime in. What is your impression? Are these actors/actresses directly culpable for tax evasion? Since everything is done in their name, they must accept responsibility and so on? Do you think that these celebrities actually instruct their accountants to pay the minimum taxes allowable or just look the other way when it happens and don’t really care as long as they can get away with it?
Pang
Getting rid of ying-yang contract does not mean it’s really gone. If people/companies want to evade taxes they will find a way. Think about all that money involved. From the original webio post he was given a grace period to pay back but did not. If he had done that we wouldn’t have today. A pity.
Lovehj
If it’ was their accountants fault for not doing their job, they could sue their accountants. The fact that they can’t sue their accountants that means the actors are not given the correct information to their accountants.
Ash
I think he should bear the responsibility. This is personal income tax, not corporate tax. If I evade tax, the authorities would come after me too. After the Fan Bing Bing case was investigated, there was some news that they found 17 other celebrities who were doing similar things and there were given till end of the year to pay up and no further action would be taken. Pretty sure DL would have been in that list cos this kind of cases takes quite a bit of time to investigate. The financial labyrinth is very complicated where huge monies is involved. Why didn’t he settle? If his accountant firm was also implicit in the tax fraud, then the accountant firm would also be fined and their licence to operate pulled. Most accountant firms would not want to be implicated in facilitating illegal stuff, cos it’s their entire livelihood disappeared and would be at pains to show that they have done their due diligence to the standard normally expected. Of course, he being the celebrity attract the big news. But pretty sure the fallout is not on him alone. If it was, then those around him have settled, but he did not.
The yin-yang contracts have always been illegal because it is fraud. It is not a matter of being banned from a certain point in time. eg. for FBB case, although the spotlight was on FBB, the production company that did this yin-yang contracts with her were also punished. But there are always people who think they can get away with doing illegal stuff.
Jones
If it’s the accountant, he could have stated that and sue the accountant BUT being an accountant myself (though that was a while ago now I am an auditor) I can said there are ways to defer tax legally but once it hits you, you have to pay it all at once…also the accountant would most likely discuss tax evasion options with the actor/client but unless the actor/client agreed to it and tell the accountant to “go ahead” and evade tax then the accountant had no merit in doing do. When a company evade tax, it’s just the accountant fault. It’s the company CEO and bigshots who made that decision. It’s stupid and childish to blame this on the accountant. Only idiots who believe that an accountant you employed is doing that when they get no merits from it…it’s not like those money you get from tax evasion goes to the accountant’s pocket.
XZF
I think it’s could be the combination of everything that you said. When people cheat on taxes – they often try to find loopholes to avoid paying the required tax amount. Their accountants may have done it for them, but ultimately they will be the ones who are are responsible for it if they signed the legal documents.
Tilly
Perhaps he trusted his accountant and managers to do his fiance management and they screwed up. If you follow Deng Lun, he is so busy that he doesn’t even sleep sometimes. I don’t know how to crunch numbers and what to write off, I have a medium-size business and a very busy life, I have an accountant to help me with finance /taxes. I’ve been working with him for many years. Anyways turn out our manager and accountant was stealing from us and working the numbers and cutting corners, we still dealing with it in court til this day. But anyways We can only blame ourselves for trusting people. I felt Deng Lun may have had a similar situation with us.
Anon
Unlikely. The fact that he so very quickly apologise shows that he knew this was coming. He has already weighed all possible options to get out of this and prevent it from hitting the front page. If he was an innocent victim, he would have said so and announced that this is a surprise to him and that he would sue his accountant or somebody. After all, he is rich enough to hire the best lawyers.
XZF
Certainly I hope you are right about DL, but I don’t know. I’m sorry to hear about your business/money issue. Hopefully things will get better for you. One thing for sure is that one should never 100% trusts someone about money. Greed will make people do bad things – never let you guard down.
Ash
I saw from another news clip that DL also falsified expenses declarations to a fake company. So it was an elaborate scheme. Not a simple matter of “I was wrongly advised”.
HL
I am very sad to read this news… Many of these A-list stars are made famous by strong Capitalist support. And they do earn a sh*t load of money compared to National avenge. I can see how tempting such money can get but tax paying is one things that many people cannot run away from. Especially in a Communist state Country like China. They can be easily caught out when investigated.
I am aware Deng Lun tried to correct his mistakes…and I bet there are many more celebs involved in such practise that is not revealed by tax office. I wonder if he has a chance to make a come back? He is one of those actors that worked his way to his fame very steadily and slowly…
But Tax evasion is similar to stealing from State and People… it is a unforgivable deed in many taxpayer’s eyes.
Jiffy
Yes, I’m sad too cos I like DL as an actor. The additional burden that celebrities bear is the fact that they are celebrities. If the state doesn’t apply the same strict laws to them as they would an ordinary citizen, goodness, I think even I, would join in a demonstration against that no matter how much I like DL.
And for China, their principle has always been “all are equal before the law”. That’s why their crackdown on corruption is swift and drastic, compared to my country where the biggest corruption scandal is the ex-pm himself and his family and cronies and he is still dragging it out in court proceedings and walking around free. And we all have little faith that ultimately, he would ever be found guilty.
Seriously
Lmao you did not just say with a straight face “all are equal before the law” in reference communie China? People do not vanish for a whole year for tax evasion (FBB) they get a public trial pay their fine and serve a prison term if needed. China has no human rights, NOT all are equal, ask the LGBQT community and Uyghurs. Go educate yourself, before you commend an oppressive dictatorship.
Seriously
YOU are effing communie idiot STFU! Take your Chinese communie propaganda and shove it! I hate communie idiots and YOU by far have been very vocal about supporting an awful government dictatorship. Go eff yourself you nasty troll.
HL
Lol, regardless Communist or not…tax paying applies to every Country… and Every Country do take tax evasion seriously.
As for name calling… Many here knows who is the nasty troll in this community. Someone that enjoys cursing, swearing, trashing and being very antisocial on this site, you are no better than the Chinese Dictators. You are similar to them on your high horse putting others down.
Jiffy
I beg to disagree with your comparison. The “Chinese dictators” speak and act in a much more refined and polite manner. They never curse or swear or talk thrash or throw tantrums in public. That one is seriously way below that bar.
HL
@Jiffy , that is very true…
Speechless
Two Chinese hates who follow Chinese dramas and entertainment news…. No words ….
Hahaha
Lol, second that.
Seriously
Speechless shouldn’t it be brainless? If you can’t differentiate between the art and artist between the oppressive communistic dictatorship yeah I would have no words too. Despising a dictatorship regime does equate to hating the culture or it’s art.
Joni
Hahaha. Only one, I think. The one who thinks very “seriously” of herself or himself.
Jane
Not suprising one bit about this news.
For those who followed tons of melons and in the fan circle, the guy never has a wholesome image lol. That’s all purelt from his strong management with all those made up image. There was a clip of him swearing at the referee during basket ball show with Li Yi Feng at that time. Also the fiasco with his ex, the big drama and underhanded tactics towards ashes of love second male lead, the spiting on public and throwing still lit cigarette butt on the grass (got all videos). Plus the famously funny official fanclub (which managed officially by himself) that got reported by China Daily for raising donation for 60k rmb for wrap up party of My True friend but ended up with a whole tables of shaobing and nothing else. All are red signals
Applefish
@jane wow if that true then what a con artist lol. I never like him, and idk why. But so far, I have learned that apparently those I don’t like sooner or later will come out doing something bad, like Kris wu and FBB lol
Jane
@Applefish
It’s true. If you know chinese, you can search on weibo about the shaobing incident (he got a popular nickname out of it ‘BingLun’) LOL. And all kinds of videos with his bad behaviour.
HL
@Jane, that is interesting…
Anon
It’s really INTERESTING and disgusting how he is such a D!
When it comes to a trash like Zhao Liying, nobody will what she did was interesting and need to be fixed. That list of “horrible” things DL did, ZLY never done them?
1. She pulled Li Sheng to the ground and scratched her hand but pretended like nothing happen and smiled sweetly.
2. She was invited to play the 2nd lead in Legend of Chusen, because she got really famous from The Journey of Flower, she stole the leading role from YZ. She even stole the scripts that YZ’s character was supposed to say. If not because YZ was being kind, had YZ posted some hamburgers ZLY will have no face today.
3. She didn’t donate to fix the road, but she grabbed an award for her hometown, making everyone believe she donated. The villagers were cyberbullied for saying the road was not fixed that well, and she deliberately stayed golden silent. After a long time went by she quietly said she didn’t build that road. Oh… then why accepted that award? Only because Hu Ge also has a Tourist award?
She stole the credit from the government and that’s no big deal.
4. She did music collaboration with Kris Wu, she didn’t party in his room like the rest of his victims? She lied about pregnancy, obviously she was trying to get an abortion. FSF saved her child by willingly married her on paper and shared his properties and resources. To make herself look innocent, the media will say he cheated with a list of women every week. Those women have their own career, they are also being bullied every week and cannot do anything.
5. ZLY’s PR team especially likes to bully Yuan Bingyan, accusing her of copying ZLY’s face all the time. When YBY was not famous, they worked together in a show with William Chan, nobody said they look the same. Now that YBY’s career is taking off, ZLY’s team is suddenly accusing YBY and ZLY is golden silent like an innocent angel.
OFC nobody will say, oh that’s very interesting, she is such a “con artist” or “indecent”.
Some PR team gonna pop up very soon and say these lines
“I don’t care, I only care about her work being good.”
Ahahahahahha…… Her works are good?????
So Legend of Chusen had an ending? There was no ending thanks to her stealing scenes the story couldn’t progress.
And Princess Agents also had an ending? How interesting?
And Story of Minglan was not water injected on the first few episodes and last few episodes? She couldn’t even speak properly and walk like a lady.
Her PR team is better at acting, I enjoy their dramas more than the boring shows she’s in.
Maybe I should be consistent and say DL is a D because he did those things.
What about the trashy star I mentioned, only she deserved to be seen innocent? Oh yeah!
Wondering!
Is ZLY your “favorite” actress?
🙁 You brought her into so many “discussions”. 🙂
Wonderful Acting
@Wondering!
GREAT ACTING! You are so good at acting!
Is Kris Wu people’s “favorite” actor? Why bring him in so many “discussions?”
You are good at acting dumb. Why accuse DL of so many crimes and when others say ZLY done the same crimes, it’s once again a question “please don’t bring my trashy idol into the conversation.”
You brought in Kris Wu to compare as well. Only Trashy ZLY can’t be compared. You are better at acting than her.
Wondering!
This is funny. I’m not even ZLY’s fan. I thought this Anon person always brought ZLY in these discussions, so I was just joking. Actually I like DL as an actor and I never like Kris Wu. Thank you!
Peace&Love
Isn’t is tiring to harbor so much resentment for somebody you don’t know? I wish you peace and happiness.
Wonderful Acting
To Jane or Anon?
If Anon, what a great actress. Please tell the trash to quit and let you act instead. She is so untalented to the point… not only she needs to rely on you advertising her crazy, but you ALSO have to attack every other actors. Your life can be easier by becoming the next best actress instead of her who can’t act at all. You are already the A-lister.
Peace&Love
I’m sorry, what did I say was attacking? I asked a simple question. I just personally feel like being angry at people you don’t know if very tiring. It’s not good for your health. I wish you peace and happiness too if you’re angry at me.
Anon
@Peace&Love
Great acting!
Obviously DL was slandered of bad attitude, we don’t see your peace&love comments for him anywhere huh?
When asked why your boss’s attitude is so bad, you suddenly show up with some peace&love comments. You think you’re asking a very innocent question? No wonder why Zhao Liying is nicknamed Trashta.
Peace&Love
@Anon I’m not acting. I really do wish you the best. I dont know anything about all this gossip stuff as an international fan that watches dramas. If you say Zhao Liying has done those things, then I believe you. I won’t be responding anymore since I feel like I’m just angering you more and I really have no intentions of doing that. Have a great rest of your day!
No Name
If dumb hass could fly, you should be on Mars orbit.
Anon
Your acting is A+
N Name
@Anon
If dumb hass could fly, you should be on Mars orbit.
Anon
Another A-list actress here.
Rhea
I’m kinda pity ZLY. Not a fan of her or anything, i only watch 1 of her drama ( boss & me). But i notice that every time there was a scandal article involving actor/ actress, ZLY name somehow will always up in the comments bashing her for something she may or may not do. I mean what does DL case has to do with her? It’s not like both of them are in the same agency or anything or they have a relationship that ZLY somehow has some kind of influence on DL.
Anonymous
@Rhea Do you know how to read? Basically somebody trashed DL and somebody is just saying the “bad” stuff they said DL did are way too similar and not as offensive as what ZLY also did, if she’s innocent then he’s innocent as well. Easy enough to understand. Unless you’re trying to perform some excellent acting skills.
Lisa
wow Jane, thank you for sharing. I honestly had no idea about these things. I’ve only watched him in Ashes of Love and thought he was a decent actor. There’s really no excuse or I did think he was an idiot for assuming he could still cheat the system when the government already made an example out of Fan Bingbing. Her case was in 2018 and his taxes are 2019/2020, so he should’ve known better.
Nano
Geesh what did he live under the rock while the FBB tax saga happened .. she still pretty much blacklisted in c-ent… 🤷🏻♀️… he is fortunate that he didn’t disappeared for a while like FBB …what were he thinking…kiss career good bye now …. Who next? …
Sandy
I think that the root of the issue is the pay cap that China has put on actors, forcing them to use secretive Ying-Yang contracts which give them more money on the back end and making them hide or otherwise fabricate other sources of the extra income they receive. I do not agree with these caps, especially in light of the fact that no such limits are placed on the production companies who use these actors to make millions in profits. This fact could have been the reason he did not come clean at first as it would implicate many production companies that he had done work with. It would also explain why the evasion happened when it did but not in previous years as his bargaining power and onscreen worth were much more after his series of 2018 hits than in previous years. A difficult position to be in, to be sure and one promoted by a discriminatory system of pay. Instead, Chinese television and film should include a point/percentage system tied to profits of the project for its leads. This way would be less polarizing as the actors’ salaries could be justified as part and parcel of earnings shared in the same manner by other parties. Granted, it comes with the risk of not earning on flops, but that would be more fair than just limiting their overall earning potential. This system is already used in other film industries such as Hollywood – though not as a norm, just as an option sometimes given in lieu of a large upfront salary. Still not an excuse to break the law, but I can understand the difficult position many actors are in.
unicorn
It wasn’t the pay cap. The pay cap was only proposed after the FBB case in 2018. Even with the pay cap, they would still be very well-paid, better paid than all the other members of the cast or crew. These celebrities are extremely rich. They cannot justify not paying taxes, when the cameraman behind the scenes who got paid far, far less has to pay his. It was just pure greed.
Production companies have a budget. With the lead actor eating away the majority of the budget, there is far less to pay everybody else, including the supporting cast, the crew, the production cost etc. This is simply unequitable to everyone else. And the success of a drama does not solely depend on one lead actor but on the work of everybody.
What you propose might work and indeed some are doing that. Some more established actors form their own companies and then invest in a project and take less pay upfront. But that also means they need to be financially secure first to be able to invest.
I have no issues with production companies earning lots, cos they bear all the risks too. Everyone else would have gotten paid, but the drama or film might be a flop for the production company. If the production companies earn lots, they pay more taxes too. And they would be rich enough to engage in more projects and provide jobs for everyone, including celebrities. And give us more high quality dramas to enjoy. Everyone is happy.
HL
yes, agreed. The cap came after FBB case… And the cap was implemented to spread production salary more fairly. Too many stars are getting paid why to high at the expense of the filming crew. It is a very unfair practise. Many filming crew/actors are overworked and underpaid. Thus the cap was introduced to deal with such unfair issues.
Owning over USD 16m in tax…I cannot imagine just how much this guy was actually earning!! He is wrong to cheat the system.
unicorn
Well, just for scale comparison, his tax bill alone is equivalent to my 160 years of salary at current rate. Oh, that really hurts.
XZF
@ Unicorn
I can relate to that. 🙁
Sushi
Did he think he was going to get away with it!! that’s a lot of money!!! seriously!!!!1