The online community is once again abuzz over the newest video shared on Zhang Zhehan’s Instagram account last night. In the six minute video, the actor referred to a person who continued to make getting back to his feet harder by pushing him down. “Someone who used my childhood pictures in a variety show to make fans speculate. It’s really pushed me down”. At the beginning of the clip, he said everyone probably read the handwritten letter he previously shared.
Zhang Zhehan also added that just because he’s famous, it doesn’t mean that things are easier for him. Maybe being famous is the real culprit he says since everyone is only looking out for ways to benefit. He said he never imagined the lengths people are willing to go to and how people wouldn’t hesitate to drop a lot of money to pay YXH (营销号) accounts and water armies to spread falsehoods. However, he also believes these people will have it coming. “Those who use crooked ways to benefit themselves, I believe in karma.”
Despite all the things that have been thrown at him, the actor says he’s slowly getting back to his feet. He’s trying out new things like writing, studying psychology and even practising guitar to heal himself. He’s also writing new lyrics now and composing songs.
“Break-Up Letter”
Before releasing the video on Instagram, Zhang Zhehan actually published a handwritten letter on April 30 essentially cutting ties with what many surmise to be his Word of Honor co-star Simon Gong Jun. To be fair, the actor didn’t actually name any names on his post, but from the various hints dropped, Netizens think he’s referring to Gong Jun.
In his letter, the actor first expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped and supported him throughout his ordeal. It is because of their trust and their support that he persevered, he said. The actor said that he firmly believes justice will eventually come. As for fans who supported his pairing with the “other star” of the series Word of Honor, he said that in order to live up to this support that he had no choice but to set things straight. First, Zhang Zhehan said he and his former colleague haven’t had any personal interaction save for some promotional activities requiring their cooperation. Otherwise, they’ve had no contact since June 2021. He also said he was baffled at why he kept appearing (intentionally or unintentionally) in promotional materials for stuff “the other party” endorses.
Finally, he pleads for people reading the letter to respect basic common sense and rationality, to not to be deluded by those with ulterior motives into hurting his family and friends.
Questions
With his recent social media updates, Zhang Zhehan has received many supportive comments. However, there have been questions by some around why he wrote the letter and what he stands to gain from dissociating himself with Gong Jun the way he did here. Of all the things he could’ve chosen to talk about given his long hiatus from social media, why talk a lot about his “couple pairing” rather than how he’s been doing or updates on his ongoing case against CAPA. There have also been doubts on whether he remains in control of his only remaining platform. That’s probably one of the reasons that prompted his video post.
As for the video, there’s no doubt that the clip was indeed shared on his account. However, opinion is still split on whether the video is real especially with the existence of deep fake tech.
Update May 5: Netizens noticed that his social media posts cannot be found as his IG page zhangzhehan_super3 is suddenly no longer available. 2nd Update: He is back on IG!
Source: 1
Jia
Who is the person that was using his childhood pictures? Is that also in reference to Simon Gong Jun? I don’t really follow Chinese celebrity gossip outside of this site, so I don’t really understand who he’s insinuating is the cause for his downfall. If Gong Jun, I don’t see why the actor would go to such great lengths to destroy his career since they both benefited from the drama. It’s really a double edge sword doing these BL dramas. You can become super famous after, but then you’re always constantly getting in trouble. Even Xiao Zhan had to take a hiatus. Also, I always find it so amazing how netizens seem to think they have full insight into celebrities private personalities and lives just based on some pictures or short clips.
Zhou Wei
in an interview Gong jun was talking about his childhood however instead of a picture if him they posted a picture of Zhang Zhehan. So many told it was a mistake by the production ream but neither Gong jun or his company mentioned about it.
In my opinoin actually we really doesnt know what exactly happened for Gong jun to not reply. As I know Jun would never do something like that. I am a fan of both of them. And even if one of them are wronged I will not stop supporting them. Right now we just need to wish for a good comeback from Zhang Zhehan.
VicoSDL
Even though I’m not his fan, I feel really for him, especially because what he went through is really unfair
Anon
Actually, I don’t think he is handling the situation well. With these constant insinuations of being victimized, by anti-fans or his former colleagues or other jealous celebrities, and looking pitiful, I think he is delaying the resolution of his issue and his come-back. His situation is nothing out of the ordinary for celebrities. This kind of scandals or controversies are all very real risks to celebrities. It is a risk of the profession. It is how the celebrity handles the situation that differentiates a person of great character.
I had great sympathy for him in the beginning, especially as it seemed that all these were just because of some ill-positioned photos.
Wowo
Well, he has been taking it all in for a while, he cannot just sit around and not do anything anymore. I am glad he is telling his side of the story; whatever that photo was; GJ was there and he didn’t say that’s not him? Surely the production team would have to check out everything before releasing the picture? Everything is upsetting, and it would have been good if someone comes out to apologize for releasing the wrong picture? No one is doing anything, so it’s understanding ZZH went on the public to say something.
Anon
Nothing he’s insinuating is farfetched. It’s a cutthroat industry with a lot of rivalry, every top actor or actress is stepping on someone’s toes simply by being where they are, it’s just that not everyone is vocal about it. So what’s wrong with trying to clear his name of false rumours and detaching himself from people trying to take advantage of his situation?
Ash
Nothing wrong to try and clear his name. There is just the question of what is the most effective way to fight a battle. And public mud slinging and starting rumors is not the effective way. To me, the most effective way is to get his case heard as soon as possible and a verdict in his favor . It would prove all those people wrong in one stroke and fully vindicate his innocence. The social media battles would just detract from the real case, which is to prove that it was unlawful for the “Film & Drama Authority” (I forget the actual name. Is it the CAPA mentioned?) to blacklist him.
Spreading his own insinuations is just playing the same game those low-down people are playing and that makes him no different in character to them.
But happy to hear him trying out new things and developing new skills.
Anon
What exactly gives you the impression that he’s delaying the case. Didn’t he come into contact with a lawyer already?And what do you mean by public mudslinging and starting rumours do you have evidence he isn’t a victim of cyberbullying because I’ve seen otherwise. It’s one thing to be a thriving celebrity who’s popularly hated and it’s another thing to be in a position where you can’t speak for yourself and have mud constantly slung at you. I don’t see why he shouldn’t defend himself and set things straight, I’m sorry but you are not making any sense.
No Name
@Anon,
You know so well the art of bashing that you as bully practice with maestria.
I wonder if your favorite actress have something to do with the situation, I do not worry you will lecture us about it.
Anon
What favorite actress?
Nonny
Damn. Where did his support go? Fans on the international side were overwhelmingly supportive and thought his scandal was stupid. Now that he’s out here breaking the CP, all of a sudden people are saying things like he’s not handling this well, he needs to stay quiet, he needs to be patient, etc. So hypocritical.
Anon
Are you talking to me? First, I’m not a fan. Second, there is a huge difference between managing a crisis well and randomly making a lot of noise. And third, yes, patience and endurance are required in all battles if you hope to win. The impatient ones always lose. Maybe, you can try reading the Art of War? So ignorant.
Nonny
You’re so vain. Nothing everything is about you.
I’m speaking in general terms. Not just here, but I’ve noticed on other sites where people who were so vocal with their support when his “scandal” broke are now mum on his letter and video. And people who do comment are now blaming him for defending himself or doing mental gymnastics to claim it’s all fake. Hypocrisy all around.
If that doesn’t apply to you, there’s no need for you to be so defensive.
Lisa
@Nonny, I only see two person criticizing him for his method of defending himself. Everyone else seems supportive. But the level of engagement on this article does seem low compared to before. This whole situation seems really suspect considering now his IG is gone after posting that video. I hope everything is okay with him, that he clears his name, and his career is returned to him.
dp
I am not even a fan and can see that this man was cyberbullied; his family was attacked for the past year. I am glad he found the courage to speak up again. I hope he finds a way out of the situation soon.
Yamapisukii
How idiotic to tell him to stay quiet. For what? To continue being trashed on for no freaking reasons? His scandal was beyond stupid to begin with. I’m glad he’s speaking out and telling his side. So many haters out there still. If you can’t contribute anything intelligently, MYOB.