The Chinese entertainment industry is currently engulfed in its most explosive scandal of 2025, with actor Xu Kai, his ex-girlfriends, actress Zhao Qing, and producer Yu Zheng all dragged into a chaotic web of accusations, denials, and public feuds.
On August 22, Xu Kai’s ex-girlfriend Xu Lisha accused him of cheating and inappropriate behavior, revealing that he had taken actress Zhao Qing, a junior from his agency, into a hotel while still in a relationship with her. Xu Lisha described a pattern of Xu Kai pretending to be drunk in order to cross boundaries with women, claiming she endured both emotional betrayal and intimidation during their relationship.
The scandal quickly escalated as Yu Zheng, the influential producer who launched Xu Kai to stardom in Story of Yanxi Palace, publicly defended him in a livestream. Yu insisted that Zhao Qing had only been helping Xu Kai with acting practice in the hotel, dismissing Xu Lisha as a bitter ex. However, Xu Lisha fired back with text message screenshots and a detailed timeline, intensifying the controversy.
Matters worsened when another ex-girlfriend, influencer Da Jin, stepped in, backing Xu Lisha’s claims and accusing Xu Kai of using the same “fake drunk” tactic to take advantage of women. She even alleged physical abuse during their relationship, reigniting old rumors of Xu Kai’s violent behavior.
The situation further spiraled when paparazzi released a full video of Xu Kai and Zhao Qing intimately entering a hotel together, undermining Yu Zheng’s defense. Soon after, Xu Kai’s old explicit photos and videos resurfaced online, adding fuel to the fire. Reports later revealed that Yu Zheng, overwhelmed by the backlash and ridicule, was hospitalized for stress after his heated online clash with Xu Lisha.
Xu Kai announced legal action, claiming he will sue for defamation, while Zhao Qing also denied being a “mistress” and threatened legal measures against rumor spreaders. Xu Lisha, however, warned she holds more evidence that could “end Xu Kai’s career” if released.
With accusations ranging from infidelity to attempted assault, and major players in the Chinese entertainment industry now involved, this scandal has been labeled the “messiest love drama” of the decade. The public remains glued to every update, wondering whether Xu Kai will survive the storm or face career-ending consequences.
