Say no to high stars
By Gan Tian
2009-08-11 09:51
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Stars and drugs have become a hot topic again after pop singer Man Wenjun and his wife Li Li were arrested at a birthday party about three months ago.
Last week, Li received a one-year sentence for offering drugs and a 2,000-yuan ($286) penalty at Beijing Chaoyang People's Court. Man apologized to the public in a video released by Beijing TV in June.
After receiving a telephone tip-off, Beijing police raided nightclub Coco Banana in Chaoyang district at about 2 am on May 18, catching Man, along with Li and their friends, who were taking illegal drugs at Li's birthday party in a VIP room, booked in Man's name. Nine of those detained were tested positive for drugs, including Man and Li. Man remained in police custody until June 3.
The 40-year-old Man has a unique style in pop music, gaining popularity in 1996 with his single I Understand You. Last year, he was named "Environment Ambassador" because of his songs promoting environmental protection.
Man's involvement in drugs smashed his reputation. The Child Welfare League of China, a children's charity, immediately withdrew Man as spokesman for the organization. He also lost money after performances and commercials were canceled.
Famous entertainment critic Hong Shui writes in his blog that drugs are often evident in showbiz. Chinese pop singer Liu Huan, also an anti-drug ambassador, says there are young composers who take drugs to make themselves unique and artistic.
Xie Dong, another mainland pop singer, was arrested for taking drugs in 2007. The 44-year-old was found taking ecstasy and "ice" with his girlfriend when the police burst into his apartment.
The China Post reported in 2007 that Taiwan entertainer Suzanne Hsiao was sent to a drug rehabilitation center in Taipei, where she had to stay for 40 days. She was arrested for alleged drug use along with other entertainers, including Tuo Tsung-kang, Chu Chung-heng, Hung Chi-te, and Jung Hsiung, early in 2006. Hong Kong Standard reported that 10 packets of heroin were discovered in the Tokyo hotel room of 26-year-old Hong Kong pop singer Jill Vidal this April.
Following Man's case, the Team of Anti-drug Beijing Volunteers launched a "Drug Rejection" initiative to entertainers in China on World Drug Day on June 26 this year. Chinese stars, including Pu Cunxin, Liu Huan, Chen Hao, Gao Yuanyuan, Wang Xuebing, Tao Hong and Yuan Quan, signed up their names for the proposal, saying they will take on their social responsibilities of making people aware of the harm of drugs, love health and themselves.
Chinese netizens are still following the case closely and believe it's common for entertainers to use drugs.
An entertainment magazine editor, who did not want to be named, says two of his showbiz friends are in jail because of drug-taking at Li's birthday party.