Zhang Tian’ai Addresses “Change” in Appearance

Chinese actress Zhang Tian’ai found herself trending due to her recent public appearance that many said was “unrecognizable.” The actress whose breakout role was the hit drama Go Princess Go in 2016 previously joined the reality show Sisters Who Make Waves Season 3, where she drew attention for her looks and disciplined body regimen. This time, she’s returned for the show’s seventh season just to support TV host Xie Nan who joined as a contestant. However, netizens questioned whether her change in look was caused by cosmetic fillers, swelling, or health problems. Given that it’s not uncommon for actors to suddenly have something done, many pleaded with her “not to.” The topic “#Zhang Tian’ai changed appearance#” even rose to the top of the trending list.

Zhang Tian’si took to social media to response, explaining that it wasn’t a cosmetic procedure but rather that she had purposely gained weight for a new movie role. She wrote, “I came out during the livestream (for Ride the Wind) to get some air, and the sky has fallen. Seeing the screenshots, even I don’t recognize myself! I have to say the aftereffect of Just Kidding (her new movie) is too strong. I gained a few pounds for the role, and this is exactly what everyone noticed! This afternoon I even thought my makeup looked quite good.” The film director Yin Lichuan also wrote, “A female actor’s sacrifice for a role has become cosmetic surgery failure rumors. Tian’ai, it’s my fault.”