Fan BingBing is Back in Business
Chinese megastar Fan BingBing disappeared when she was fined for tax evasion. Now, she’s back in the spotlight again
Two months ago, Fan BingBing was spotted for the first time in almost a year after she mysteriously disappeared following issues of tax fraud, leaving no trace even on her social media accounts.
Fan was ordered to pay nearly $130 million in fines and taxes after authorities found out she failed to pay her dues.
“I sincerely apologize to everyone. As a public person I should be in compliance with the law and be an example for society and the industry,” she said.
As the highest-paid actress in China with an estimated net worth of more than $100 million, this shook the country’s entertainment industry.
Although Fan avoided criminal charges because it was a first-time offense, her scandal was seen as a warning to other celebrities to pay their dues. Up until President Xi Jinping took office, many people from the entertainment industry were spared from anti-corruption investigations.
Fan is Back Again
Fan appeared made her debut once more at the Beijing Gala which was held in honor of video streaming platform iQiyi, where she posed for the media while donning a fabulous black and pink pantsuit, with matching diamonds and a designer handbag.
There are mixed opinions on her appearance. Although her fans are delighted to see her once more in the public eye, many detractors are voicing out their hate on the celebrity.
New Movie
Fan has not had any projects in China since the issue hit, but it turns out, her disappearance is not enough to put her out of work as she is expected to begin filming her new movie, 355.
The spy thriller is directed by Simon Kinberg, the same visionary behind Dark Phoenix, and will feature Hollywood royalties which include Diane Kruger, Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o.
The movie was first announced during the Cannes Festival in 2018 and is rumored to be inspired by James Bond; but instead of having a male lead, the film will star a group of strong and empowered female spies who team up to form their own elite team.
Dwindling Romance
Although the future of her career is looking bright, it looks like her personal life took a beating because of the issues that she faced. The celebrity recently announced her split with Li Chen, 40, her fiancé of two years. The famous couple starred in The Empress of China in 2014 when Fan played Wu Zetian, the only female emperor of China.
“We experience all types of farewells during our lives. I’m thankful for everything—the support and love—you’ve given me. Thank you for the concern and love that you will give me in the future,” she announced on her Weibo.
Despite this, many fans are speculating that the breakup was just a publicity ploy. The two were seen dining at a Thai restaurant three days after Fan announced that their relationship and wedding has been called off.
Reports indicate that the A-list couple walked to their cars following their meal and looked reluctant to leave each other’s side. The two were also spotted in South Korea a couple of days before the shocking revelation.
On the other hand, fans who believe the breakup are wishing for the two to reconcile, especially after Li stated that the “trust and support we give each other will be forever”.
Rumors about Fan pregnant with another’s man’s baby is also circulating on Chinese social media. However, fans are adamant to stop the rumor.
“Have I gained so much weight that people think I’m pregnant?” the actress joked.