(Shanghai) Lisa, of the ultra-popular girls band of K-pop Blackpink, was banned from the Chinese social network Weibo, arousing incomprehension on Friday from his immense community of fans, some of whom see censorship linked to his performance in a famous cabaret in Paris.
Full name Lalisa Manobal, Lisa disappeared from Weibo this week, her account replaced by an error message stating that her page “is not visible due to reports for violating laws and regulations.”
Hong Kong actress Angela Yeung, aka Angelababy, was also banned for “violations of relevant laws and regulations”, according to a message posted on her account.
Weibo did not provide further explanation. Lisa’s agency, YG Entertainment, told AFP that it did not have an official statement to release.
On the internet, admirers assumed that the two stars had seen their accounts censored because of a burlesque show by Lisa at the Crazy Horse, a famous cabaret in Paris, at the end of September, which Angelababy would have attended.
Chinese censors are quick to block content considered politically sensitive or goes against the values of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Popular personalities have, for example, been targeted for their tattoos or an “effeminate” style of clothing.
The banning of Lisa and Angelababy also comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping called on women to “promote traditional Chinese virtues and spread family values”.
Weibo users criticized tougher censorship on the platform by sharing a screenshot of a state media article from 2012 – the year Mr Xi came to power – that apology for Crazy Horse, then praised for having highlighted Parisian fashion designers.
“There is nothing to say, if this problem had happened in the 2000s, who would have cared […] ? “, launched a Weibo user.
Several Internet users deplored a level of tolerance that is now “lower than low” in China.
However, others welcomed the blocks, saying Lisa’s show was inappropriate due to her outfit.
“There is a cultural difference between China and other countries,” said one user.