LayarHijau – Chinese actress Bai Lu has recently become the focus of heated online discussions after being caught in a wave of controversy related to her appearance on the variety show Keep Running. Amid the backlash, rumors have also surfaced suggesting a possible contract dispute with Huanyu Entertainment, the agency led by producer Yu Zheng.
Bai Lu has long been regarded as one of the most popular Chinese drama actresses, thanks to her leading roles in hit series such as Till the End of the Moon, Only for Love, and Story of Kunning Palace. Her rising fame was further boosted by her regular appearances on Keep Running, where she has become a familiar face to audiences.
However, her recent appearance on the show sparked criticism after several clips went viral on social media. In one segment, Bai Lu jokingly referred to senior cast members Li Chen and Ryan Zheng Kai as “two elderly members with a burning team spirit,” a remark that divided public opinion.
Another widely circulated clip showed Bai Lu splashing water on Li Chen’s face before a game began. The scenes quickly ignited debate online, with some netizens accusing her of being disrespectful toward senior figures on the show.
The situation escalated further when older clips were resurfaced and widely shared. Some online users also accused Bai Lu of overly frequent interactions with male guests and of taking a central spotlight position previously associated with Angelababy on the program.
Reports from Chinese entertainment media claimed that Bai Lu lost around 200,000 followers across social platforms within just five days after the controversy broke out.
Amid the backlash, attention also turned to Yu Zheng’s reaction. The producer, who is usually known for publicly defending his artists, chose not to directly intervene this time. When questioned by fans online, he stated that responding to rumors would only amplify attention toward them.
He added that defamation issues would be handled through legal channels, while other criticisms should be faced with calmness. His response led many netizens to believe he was deliberately distancing himself from the situation.
Shortly after, entertainment gossip accounts began spreading rumors that Bai Lu’s 10-year contract with Huanyu Entertainment would expire in June and that she had decided not to renew it. The reports also suggested she may be planning to establish her own management team.
This speculation fueled a wave of theories among fans, with some believing the controversy surrounding Bai Lu on Keep Running may not have been entirely organic. They suspect that certain clips were selectively edited and amplified as part of an online narrative battle following her alleged decision not to renew her contract.
However, not all netizens agree with this interpretation. Some argue that Bai Lu and Huanyu Entertainment have long benefited from a mutually dependent relationship. They point out that her success has also been supported by the company’s strong promotional power and access to major drama productions.
In recent years, Bai Lu’s dramas such as Moonlight Mystique, Feud, and Unveil: Jadewind have seen mixed reception in both ratings and audience response. Because of this, some netizens remain skeptical about her ability to fully sustain her career without strong agency backing.
