Updated: Jan 4, 2025
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi recently addressed concerns regarding her health in a post via Weibo last January 1.
The said post came almost a week after a photo of the 26-year-old star slumped in a wheelchair made rounds online with multiple reports claiming the actress was not feeling well for days while filming her new drama “Almost Lover.”
This is my first and last response to everything that has happened recently. I sincerely apologize for taking up public attention.
Before all this, I never allowed my illness to affect my work or those around me. I also acknowledge my own shortcomings. I’ve always… pic.twitter.com/cvg8lwE5eh
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 1, 2025
She addressed her health concerns and revealed her battle with depression as well as being a victim of abuse on multiple occasions. In the post, Rosy Zhao (her international name) also included photos from her recovery process which showed that her weight had been 36.9kg at one point. She also revealed her diagnosis in one of the pictures.
#ZhaoLusi courageously shared her diagnosis with a caption:🥹
“𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈”
Diagnosis:
Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder with Anxiety ConditionTreatment:
•BMI < 18.5, malnutrition identified. Referral to the Nutrition Department… pic.twitter.com/Xh1eNIKC6h— Jodi (@itsmejodiiii) January 1, 2025
“In 2019, I began experiencing depressive symptoms. I heard things like, ‘Stop making a big deal out of it,’ and ‘Just think positively, and everything will be fine.’ I, too, thought I was being overly dramatic and sensitive, so I didn’t take my mental health seriously.”
I heard things like, ‘Stop making a big deal out of it,’ and ‘Just think positively, and everything will be fine.’ I, too, thought I was being overly dramatic and sensitive, so I didn’t take my mental health seriously.
Rosy mentioned that over the years, she started experiencing different illnesses such as pneumonia, hives, hearing loss, night sweats, and sudden awakenings.
“I also dealt with the loss of a loved one and cancer diagnoses within my family, all in quick succession. But the magnitude of these events overshadowed my feelings, leading me to continue ignoring my own problems,” she continued.
The Chengdu native star also shed light on her past experiences with abuse stating that people used to call her a “useless vase” when she was a child. She recounted being hit by a teacher once and thought it was justified since she didn’t perform well academically at that time.
“As I grew older, I was beaten again for failing an audition. I didn’t dare to make a fuss – I just wanted to escape. I got used to handling things on my own and never developed the habit of seeking help from anyone,” she added.
Zhao didn’t disclose her illness publicly before as she “didn’t want it to be labeled as a publicity stunt” and emphasized that “depression as an illness is a medical condition.”
Upon seeing her post, social media users took to online to share their thoughts about her recent revelation.
#zhaolusi sharing with us updates of her journey to recovery 🫂❤️
the fact that she chose to share with us such real and raw moments during her toughest times ☹️☹️☹️#FreeZhaoLusi #TruthForZhaoLusi pic.twitter.com/hacdVACGWT
— 🐰 (@youniebear) December 31, 2024
As someone who’s working in rehab, im so proud of her progress — independently using her utensils while sitting upright, taking a few steps WITHOUT A W/C and the fine motor skills WHAT?!! 😭so happy to see you with your people too 🫶🥹 #ZhaoLusi
— lad 🚢 #ProtectZhaoLusi (@ladsheart) December 31, 2024
no wonder she was crying when kelulis told her these words. she felt validated & heard. it meant so much to her that she cant hide her tears from falling. oh our rosy, you’ve endured so much 😭😭#FreeZhaoLusi #ZhaoLusi
pic.twitter.com/DSRrKOaaJ0— lad 🚢 #ProtectZhaoLusi (@ladsheart) January 1, 2025
More and more of her co-actors & co-workers are now speaking their support for her. This is what happens when you’re good, people will have your back & not throw you under the bus. I love that it may be small, but that kindness will always be remembered. You’re loved, Zhao Lusi.
— ٍ (@fromdara) January 2, 2025
just learned more about zhao lusi and it's so heartbreaking. i’ve watched a couple of her drama’s and see her as this cheerful presence on screen, never knew the struggles she faced behind the scenes. wishing her all the strength and love 💖🥹
— 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗉𝗋𝗂|🍞🦁🌻 (@__mochiimochii) January 2, 2025
Reading all the news about zhao lusi is so heart breaking:( being a woman in this world is already hard bu she is also in the entertaiment industry which is make it more and moreeee hard:(
— ananda (@denaanandaa) January 2, 2025
sheʼs my favorite chinese actress :(( get well soon, zhao lusi! i hope ppl who did u wrong get the bad karma that they deserve. https://t.co/G7SfELakW6
— chu 🍉 (@jisoos_h) January 2, 2025
had the time to read up abt zhao lusi’s case and i hope she recovers soon ❤️🩹 the ent world really don’t deserve actresses…
— ✿ (@haansolie) January 2, 2025
Lusi is truly one of the dearest people on this earth, and she deserves to be surrounded by love and care during this time of recovery.
I'm very happy that she has found the strength to not give up and keep fighting, especially in a toxic place like the entertainment industry.… pic.twitter.com/tHNBnUcu0x
— Kim Hyeyoon Brasil 🇧🇷 (@HyeyoonBrazil) January 1, 2025
It doesn’t matter who you stan—no one should be treated like this. If you find any enjoyment or reasons to start petty fanwars over this, you need to redirect that energy and pray it doesn’t happen to the actress you support as well.
I hope Zhao Lusi makes a full recovery. It… https://t.co/SAUuWgVLJX
— miya • *· 🌟 ·*。 (@my_ayim) December 31, 2024
Colleagues and friends in the industry also sent messages of support for Zhao.
Singer G.E.M left a comment under #ZhaoLusi's Douyin which was using the BGM she sang — Only One 唯一
"Happy New Year Mei Mei! Get well soon quickly!! 🌹"#TruthForZhaoLusi pic.twitter.com/veuVtTc1n4
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 1, 2025
Director of Mars Intelligence Agency (Variety Show in which #ZhaoLusi debuted with) spoke out for her
"In my eyes, she has always been a kind, optimistic, hardworking, and lovely girl since I've known her in 2016. We met through Mars Intelligence Agency and for every single… pic.twitter.com/2Foz4gAR5J
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 2, 2025
#FuBohan posted about #ZhaoLusi
“My sis will definitely be okay! Whether you like her or not, don’t attack her anymore. She’s sick and needs to rest. She’s been really exhausted recently, under a lot of pressure, but she will definitely recover! Wishing her a speedy recovery!… pic.twitter.com/L2eJHojw8u
— Jodi (@itsmejodiiii) December 28, 2024
Singer Capper gives a dedication and encouraged #ZhaoLusi in a recent music festival 💐
"No matter which industry you are in, no matter what problem you face, especially for our Actress friend recently, Jiayou! Nothing should ever affect you!" pic.twitter.com/90MlM6eGcU
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 3, 2025
Actress Mei Yuan (Love Better Than Immortality) shows support for #ZhaoLusi
"I remember when we worked together, you gave me a pile of medicine when I had a stomachache. During filming, even though you were in pain from your menstruation, you still finished the scenes with… pic.twitter.com/KlDWNAFjrE
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 2, 2025
Chen Minghao (Su Ziying in The Romance of Tiger and Rose) left a comment under #ZhaoLusi's Weibo
"Rosy quickly get better!! 😆"#TruthForZhaoLusi https://t.co/7l8rDGnNfE pic.twitter.com/FmK2mH5xig
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 2, 2025
Wang Yajia (Love Like The Galaxy's Lian Fang) shows support for #ZhaoLusi
"In 2020, I was sitting among the crowd at a drama kickoff banquet when I suddenly locked eyes with her. She waved at me, and I walked over. She said, "Let’s exchange WeChat contacts!"
A nervous newcomer… pic.twitter.com/Cy4t2KD8wc— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 2, 2025
#zhaolusi’s guzheng instructor posted on xhs it’s such an incredibly heartfelt and empowering piece of writing 🥺❤️
“what is wrong with this society?
everytime a celebrity’s struggles are made public, you often see comments online like: “if you earn 3,000 a month, don’t pity… pic.twitter.com/e1Jv320ZcJ
— 🐰 (@youniebear) January 2, 2025
The global star’s post and revelations gained traction not only among drama fans but also got picked up by various international media outlets.
Calls for truth: #TruthForZhaoLusi
Amid health concerns for the 98-liner star, her fanclub “Kelulis” rallied on social media and called for clarification from the production team of her currently filming drama and her agency regarding the actress’ health and hospitalization.
Under the hashtag #TruthForZhaoLusi, the movement, spearheaded by Kelulis Philippines, together with the international community, began before the young star addressed the concerns on her health.
📣Attention Kelulis!
Kelulis PH, together with the International community, calls on Almost Lovers Prod team, Director Deng Ke & Ku Media to address speculations about #ZhaoLusi’s hospitalization. Let’s voice our concerns & demand the truth!
#️⃣ TruthForZhaoLusi
🕖 7PM CST pic.twitter.com/Qdce7SSosQ— Zhao Lusi | Kelulis PH (@KelulisPH) December 29, 2024
This stance came about after the “Hidden Love” star’s case sparked speculations and rumors online. The fans believed a clear statement from the production crew or her company could dispel distorted narratives and hearsays.
𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝑾𝑬 𝑫𝑬𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑻𝑯? #TruthForZhaoLusi
Here’s why:
You might wonder why we are demanding the truth when our focus should be on #ZhaoLusi’s recovery.
We are calling for an official statement because recent hot searches have distorted the… pic.twitter.com/RHb14u7RJa
— Zhao Lusi | Kelulis PH (@KelulisPH) December 29, 2024
It was also hinted by some of her peers that someone should take accountability for her condition and provide an explanation about what transpired. Another peer spoke out and shared a horrifying account of Zhao’s experience of abuse by someone from her management in 2019.
Weixiao delivers a message on behalf of #ZhaoLusi
"To all the friends who care about and are worried for Lusi, she has entrusted me to let everyone know that she’s safe, hoping to ease your concerns a little.
But to be honest, since her birthday, I’ve already noticed that… pic.twitter.com/4u56crj7dH
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) December 28, 2024
With the consent of #ZhaoLusi, her friend has just revealed a horrifying anecdote on Lusi being physically, verbally and emotionally abused by people in her company since 2019
"I’m truly furious. These are some things I want to reveal as her good friend. Back in 2019, something… pic.twitter.com/KZM2rxyJsD
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) December 31, 2024
As of writing, the production team of the drama “Almost Lover” remained radio silent.
“Kelulis” continued to create social campaigns demanding for accountability, clarification behind the star’s hospitalization.
But who is Zhao Lusi?
Zhao Lusi, also known as Rosy Zhao, is one of the top actresses in China as of date.
She rose to fame with historical rom-com drama “The Romance of Tiger and Rose” in 2020 and followed up with “The Long Ballad” in 2021.
The young actress-singer gradually became one of China’s biggest stars as she starred on successive hit dramas “Who Rules The World,” “Love Like The Galaxy,” and “Hidden Love.”
Her recently concluded drama “The Story of Pearl Girl” also garnered good results in the global scene.
Rosy’s popularity overseas is evident as she’s been appointed global ambassador of several brands including top luxury fashion brand Versace. She also represented China as one of the torchbearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her social media following also showcased her global influence as her Instagram amassed close to 5M followers.
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