Sex, lies and videotape
The sordid laundry of the entertainment industry was hung out to dry in clear view when a young actress started posting video clips online that she claimed were recordings of her "transactions" with directors and casting directors. The twist, and also the rationale, for Zhang Yu's publicity was her "patrons" did not keep the implied promise and did not give her film or television roles after having sex with her.
Public opinion was divided as to whether Zhang was an avenger of her personal vendetta, a warrior of women's rights, a betrayer of industry secrets, or simply a "loose" woman hungry for the media spotlight. She got into murky territory because the "hidden rule" that governs the industry invalidates anyone who spills the beans.
One thing is for sure: Those portraying heroes and emperors are only human, with all the weaknesses that afflict everyone else.
(China Daily 01/04/2007 page18)
