In a recent incident that has sparked widespread condemnation, 20-year-old online influencer Dong Shixuan faced severe backlash for her insensitive remarks regarding the devastating earthquake in Gansu province, China. Her comments have ignited a discussion about the responsibilities and impact of influencers on social media.
Dong Shixuan, a young influencer from Fujian province, southeast China, conducted a live-stream for her three million followers on November 19. During the stream, she addressed why she was not contributing to the relief efforts for the Gansu earthquake, which had resulted in significant loss of life and property damage. Her flippant remarks, questioning the relevance of the tragedy to her, immediately drew criticism from her audience.
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake, which struck Gansu on December 18, had a profound impact, claiming 134 lives and injuring nearly a thousand, with 13 people still missing. Dong’s dismissive attitude towards the disaster and her followers’ concerns led to over 5,100 comments on her video, which was viewed 8.55 million times. Despite the growing criticism, Dong persisted in her stance during the live-stream.
Following the intense backlash, Dong issued a public apology on December 21 and shared a receipt showing her donation of 5,200 yuan (US$700) to the World Union Philanthropy Foundation. However, her apology did little to quell the public outrage, with many expressing that her actions were unforgivable and demonstrating a lack of empathy.
Kuaishou, the platform on which Dong streamed, announced that they had taken disciplinary action against her for her remarks, although the specifics of the punishment were not disclosed. This step by Kuaishou reflects the growing expectation for social media platforms to hold their users, especially influencers, accountable for their content.
This incident is part of a larger trend of public figures in China facing backlash for inappropriate comments. From Rainie Yang Cheng-lin’s controversial statement at a Henan concert to the “Lipstick King” Li Jiaqi’s ridicule of his less affluent customers, these instances highlight the increasing scrutiny and accountability expected of influencers and celebrities.
The case of Dong Shixuan serves as a stark reminder of the influence and responsibility that come with a large social media following. It underscores the need for public figures to be mindful of their words and actions, especially in times of tragedy. The incident also illustrates the growing power of public opinion in holding influencers accountable, pushing for a more empathetic and responsible use of social media platforms.
READ MORE: