Spicy FANFIC leads to cancellation of actor and BANNING of AO3 in China

Summary

The video script narrates the controversial saga of a Chinese A-list actor, whose career nearly collapsed due to a fanfic depicting him in a scandalous light. The fanfic, titled 'Fallen,' led to a heated debate on creative freedom versus reputational rights, resulting in a nationwide boycott and the temporary shutdown of platforms like AO3 and Lofter. The incident, dubbed '227,' escalated with fan wars, media scrutiny, and the actor's eventual public apology and redemption, illustrating the power dynamics within modern fandoms and the internet's impact on celebrity image.

Takeaways

• 📖 The script discusses the controversy surrounding a fanfic titled 'Fallen' on the platform AO3, which led to significant repercussions in the Chinese entertainment industry.
• 🌐 AO3 (Archive of Our Own) is a popular creative writing platform with a vast collection of independently posted fanfics, reaching around 300 million users a month.
• 💥 The fanfic 'Fallen' depicted two male celebrities in a graphic and controversial love story, which some fans found inappropriate and offensive, leading to organized backlash.
• 🚫 The depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships is heavily censored in mainstream Chinese media, making the content of 'Fallen' particularly sensitive and controversial.
• 🤯 The controversy escalated when fans of the celebrities involved reported the fanfic and the platforms hosting it to the Chinese government, resulting in the platforms being shut down.
• 🛑 The shutdown of AO3 and Lofter impacted a broad community of users who relied on these platforms for creative expression and representation, sparking widespread anger and boycotts.
• 🔥 The incident, known as the '227 incident,' led to a nationwide boycott of the A-list actor's work and endorsements, causing significant financial losses and damage to his career.
• 📉 The actor's management initially issued a lukewarm apology, which failed to quell the situation, leading to further public relations challenges.
• 📈 Despite the controversy, the actor made a comeback with a powerful interview addressing the situation transparently, which helped to restore some of his public image and career.
• 🏵 The actor's influence post-scandal remained strong, with brands he endorsed experiencing significant sales increases, demonstrating his enduring marketability.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the responsibilities of celebrities towards their fans' actions, the boundaries of creative freedom, and the impact of fandom culture on society.

Q & A

What is the significance of the platform AO3 mentioned in the script?

AO3 stands for Archive of Our Own, which is a prominent creative writing platform with millions of users. It is known for hosting a vast collection of independently posted fanfictions, allowing anyone to publish a web series or fan story.

What event in 2020 is referred to as the '227 incident' in the script?

The '227 incident' refers to a scandal in China where an A-list actor faced backlash due to a fanfic posted on AO3. This led to a nationwide boycott, loss of brand deals, and significant financial impact, despite the actor not being involved in the creation or promotion of the fanfic.

What is the meaning of 'BL' in the context of the script?

BL stands for 'boy love' and usually refers to media that features two male leads falling in love with each other. It is often associated with a specific vibe or trope, similar to K-drama romances between male leads.

What drama series is mentioned as an example of the BL genre?

The drama series 'The Untamed' is mentioned as a popular example of the BL genre. It gained significant attention due to its plot, acting, and the chemistry between the two male leads.

What was the controversy surrounding the fanfic 'Fallen' that was posted on AO3?

The fanfic 'Fallen' depicted two male celebrities in a graphic and controversial love story, including explicit content and illegal relationships. This led to a divide among fans, with some supporting the creative freedom and others condemning it as slanderous and harmful to the celebrities' reputations.

What actions did the fans who disliked the fanfic 'Fallen' take to express their disapproval?

Fans who disliked 'Fallen' organized attacks against the writer and the platforms hosting the fanfic, reporting them to the government's cyberspace Security Administration. They also posted instructions on social media to encourage mass reporting, which eventually led to the platforms being taken down in China.

What was the impact of the AO3 and Lofter platform shutdown on the broader community?

The shutdown of AO3 and Lofter affected a broader community of users who relied on these platforms for creative expression and as a safe space for marginalized groups. The loss of these platforms disrupted their communities and led to further conflict.

What is the term '227 boycott' referring to in the script?

The '227 boycott' refers to a large-scale, organized boycott of the A-list actor's works and endorsements that began on February 27, 2020, as a result of the controversy surrounding the fanfic 'Fallen'.

What was the outcome of the actor's initial response to the '227 incident'?

The actor's initial response was seen as lukewarm and did not effectively address the situation, leading to continued boycotts and public backlash. It was not until a later interview that he provided a more transparent and apologetic response.

How did the actor's career fare after the controversy and his public apologies?

After the controversy and his public apologies, the actor experienced a resurgence in his career, securing brand ambassador roles with Gucci and Zenith, among others, and significantly boosting their sales.