Introduction

Xiao Zhan’s career experienced significant challenges following the 2020 controversy, leading many to ask if he was officially "banned" by the Chinese government. This article aims to explain the various circumstances that led to his period of reduced activity, clarifying what actually happened.

No Official Government Ban

It's crucial to note that Xiao Zhan was never officially "banned" or "blacklisted" by any governmental entity in China. The situation was more complex than that, but the use of the term is a good example of how many fans perceived his situation at the time.

Public Backlash After the "Xiao Zhan Incident"

The most prominent reason for the reduction in his public activity was the intense backlash after the “Xiao Zhan Incident”, which was the fan led attack on AO3 and the various controversies that followed. The public response to his fans' actions led to a period of negative attention for Xiao Zhan, which affected his career.

Brand Boycotts and Loss of Endorsements

Several brands ended their contracts with Xiao Zhan, which resulted in loss of income and also a blow to his public image.

Reduced Media Appearances

Public sentiment also led to a reduction of his appearances on television shows, and other media platforms. Television channels and production companies became hesitant to work with him.

Self-Censorship

Media platforms and other companies also engaged in self-censorship, avoiding anything that may cause them to be associated with a controversial figure. This further reduced his opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Fanbase Management

Xiao Zhan's team also received criticism for their handling of the situation and not being able to contain the situation and stop the controversies from growing.

Public Image

The overall effect of these factors contributed to Xiao Zhan's public image becoming a bit tarnished, which lead to the perceived “ban”.

Rehabilitation

Since then, Xiao Zhan has taken a lot of steps to improve his image, and has made a strong comeback in the industry, and is once again one of the most well regarded celebrities in China.

Conclusion

While the term “ban” is often used to describe Xiao Zhan’s reduced activities, it should be noted that he was never officially banned by the government. Instead, it was a result of public backlash, brand boycotts, and media’s self censorship.

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