Watch your comments, celebrities

Beijing crosstalk actor Hou Yaohua was recently found to have acted in 10 TV commercials promoting fake or unregistered medicine and medical equipment. When questioned by the media, the shrewd actor simply denied his involvement and rebuked journalists by asking, "Who said I should try the products before I promoted them?"

Hou had obviously overlooked the fact that performing in commercials is not the same as normal acting. While they are free to fake illnesses in performance shows, actors must bear their responsibilities in advertisements especially when they wield tremendous influence upon public consumption.

Even if Hou doesn't have enough time to spare a thought for the health of the public, he should have realized it would bring shame to his own reputation when those products were found to have quality problems.