Another Chinese star has fallen from grace. As always, the fallout isn’t pretty. After all, we’ve seen what happens to celebrities who stray from the path. Unfortunately, it seems actor Deng Lun (邓伦) didn’t quite get the memo.
Yesterday (15th March), Deng Lun was accused of tax evasion. To his credit, the actor did admit and apologise to it. However, the mere accusation had already started his career crumbling.
CCTV News (央视新闻) revealed yesterday evening that the actor was suspected of evading paying his personal income tax of 47 million yuan (~RM30 million) in 2019 and 2020. He had also underpaid his personal income tax by making false declarations. His case had supposedly been uncovered last year when an analysis of tax big data was done.
Authorities had initially reminded and urged Deng Lun during the investigation. However, he did not rectify his matters thoroughly. As such, they had to file a case against him in accordance with the law. Deng Lun later gave them his full cooperation during the inspection. The actor paid back 44.55 million yuan (~RM29.38 million) of tax. He also reported other tax-related violations that had not been identified. Deng Lun was later charged a fine of 106 million yuan (~RM69 million).
Deng Lun posted an apology on Weibo after the news broke. “In the process of cooperating with the tax department’s inspection, I have reflected on my mistakes,” he stated. “I accept all decisions of the tax department and I am willing to bear all relevant responsibilities and consequences.” The actor stressed he would continue “working hard”.
However, that may prove to be a problem. Following the announcement, brands Viomi Technology and L’Oreal terminated their partnerships with Deng Lun. Viomi’s withdrawal of his endorsement was especially shocking given that they had only just announced his partnership two hours before. Additionally, Deng Lun’s Weibo and Douyin have been suspended, as well as his studio’s accounts.
Netizens are now concerned that works with Deng Lun in them would be removed. Several requested that authorities leave the works alone. Others are teasingly urging people to save them while they still can. Some pointed out that removing the works is detrimental to other actors who were in them as well.
Many also find it ironic that Deng Lun had commented about drama earlier this month. Apparently, the actor had stated, “Internal entertainment will not end! What are we going to do when it’s over?” However, Deng Lun is the one providing “internal entertainment” for netizens now.
It’s difficult to say if Deng Lun’s career will ever recover. After all, other artists, like Fan Bingbing, who have suffered the same fate have yet to do so. For now, only time will tell what the future has in store for actor Deng Lun.
