Shenzhen’s Mayor, Xu Zongheng is now being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on suspicion of serious violation of party discipline. Also implicated is a famous star who has recently been given Hong Kong Resident status and has had close relations with Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi, Tang Wei and Liu Xuan. These stars have consequently become focal points of media attention. This afternoon, however, when this reporter called the four stars, they all denied involvement in the Xu Zongheng affair. Liu Xuan will make an official statement soon to clarify the truth behind her alleged role in this affair.

Liu Xuan  刘璇

Zhou Xun  周迅

Zhang Ziyi  章子怡

Tang Wei  汤唯

Xu Zongheng

According to reports, the Commission for Discipline Inspection started investigating the matter of Xu Zongheng’s alleged acceptance of bribes before last year’s Olympic Games. Since then, no progress was made on the investigation for a long time, while Xu himself went to Beijing several times in an effort to defend himself. A breakthrough has been made, however, involving the testimony of a famous mainland female star that had been given Hong Kong Residential Status in accordance with the “Outstanding Talent Plan”. The star was brought to the attention of the Commission of National Security owing to some “overbearing” behavior on her part. According to confessions she made under custody, Xu compensated her considerably financially and often had her take care of “personal business” of his in Hong Kong. She also helped him out by appearing on CCTV programming in order to increase her own renown.

Netizens have added fuel to the file by listing a number of other female stars who have recently obtained Hong Kong residency status – notably Zhang Ziyi, Tang Wei, Liu Xuan, and Zhou Xun. Among them, the biggest suspect is Liu Xuan, who, Like Xu himself, is from a family of Hunanese origin. Liu once won an Olympic gold medal for gymnastics. After retiring from sports in 2001, she recovered her fortunes by successfully pursuing a career in show business, obtaining Hong Kong Resident status this year.

Be that as it may, Liu Xuan has had her agent deny her involvement in the Xu Zongheng Affair on her behalf. She also wrote the following on her own blog: “Towards those who hate me, I offer a smile. Strictly speaking, I don’t have to understand. After all, I don’t have any real enemies. Ha ha. Broadly speaking, I know that it’s attitude that’s really important here. Looking back on the numerous biased reports about me that have circulated since I left sports, I feel I should accept those voices of the many who don’t understand with a smile on my face. As Mr. Wang once said to me, “We’re already pretty lucky; that we’re misunderstood from time to time is just a sign that life is fair.’ Only if we hold our heads high, aware that our conscience is clear can we increase our good luck. Right? …At the same time, however, we are bound to encounter slander and misunderstanding. When that happens, I suppose that we can do nothing but smile. After all, those who love you will always understand you and that should be enough.” Her agent has stated that there will be a formal statement in the future and that his client will retain the right to take legal action against false reports.

Afterwards, this reporter called Zhou Xun’s assistant, who, after listening to my description of the above remark told me “We’re not making any statements, because it’s really not any business of ours. It’s enough that we’re clear ourselves about the truth of the matter, so we won’t pay attention to any of this.” Zhang Ziyi and Tang Wei also deny any involvement in the Xu Affair.

See this article in its original form here

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