After Huang Yang Tian Tian‘s family inadvertently came under scrutiny due to a pair of earrings, it seems attention has turned to Chinese actress Esther Yu whose known to come from a wealthy family. Heated debate erupted over her family’s background, particularly focusing on her father, Yu Pijie (虞丕杰). Online accusations allege Esther Yu’s family benefitted from improper business ties with state-owned enterprises, including claims of “embezzling 1.5 billion yuan” and “colluding with government officials.”
On May 19, 2025, a Beijing law firm announced that it has officially taken on the defamation case of Mr. Yu against claims he firmly denies. The legal team has already gathered evidence against specific Weibo users who allegedly spread these claims. Mr. Yu is seeking a public apology and compensation for economic and emotional damages.
At the center of the controversy is Yu Pijie’s company, Huashang Mining, which holds a 49% stake in a joint venture with a steel company. Since the latter owns the majority 51% stake, some defend that claims of corporate misconduct appear to lack concrete basis. Adding to the discussion, some questioned whether Esther’s grandfather had ties to the state-owned enterprise. Public records show he was only a union representative in the 1980s, not in core business operations.
The controversy sparked wider discussion online, especially after screenwriter Zhu Ming made a pointed post criticizing the so-called “wealthy family background” often associated with some stars. Meanwhile, fans of Esther Yu are also calling out what they believe to be an organized smear campaign.
Photo: Yu Shu Xin Esther
Coralie
what’s wrong with being wealthy and popular? ppl just jealous.
Anon
Because since forever, the ordinary chinese people had suffered greatly under corrupted officers, those in power and businessmen. Many uprisings were started against this. The Communist party of China was formed as a clean alternative to the corrupt KMT party. During the Cultural revolution, some kinds of social backgrounds were considered “black” – 2 of which are business owners, land owners. Hence, even today, the society is still very sensitive towards lavish displays of wealth and they still have more respect for the average folk who work their way up. President Xi started his presidency with massive curbs on corruption. So it is not such a simple case of jealousy.
Магда
Фанаты Лу Сы уже топят Эстер с 2022 года. Необходимо положить этому конец. Они должны понести ответственность, а лучше если это будет их руководитель. И да, их зависть черна.
XZF
@Vic
I wish your website allows people to copy and paste, so we can google translate when someone wrote it in another language – like the Russian one above. I have no idea what this person wrote.
asadh
Here. Hope this helps. I just just translated this using AI. I don’t know if this is correct.
“Fans of Lu Si have been attacking Esther since 2022. This needs to stop. They must be held accountable — ideally, their leader should be. And yes, their envy is dark.”
XZF
@Asadh
Great. Thank you very much. you have a nice day.