Editorial | Celebrities and those that back them must set a high standard

Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu is much more than a popular actor and rapper; his tens of millions of fans made him a social-media powerhouse. That meant lucrative contracts with luxury brands and a legion of people who count on him for influence, revenue and income.

When accusations of rape and other sexual misconduct began surfacing in July, leading to his arrest last weekend, diehard supporters and those with business interests fought back against the allegations, even identifying and attacking the women who had made the claims. The online commotion became so ugly that authorities stepped in, leading to the closure of scores of accounts.

Police are investigating and it is not certain whether Wu has committed a crime. But the allegations and the manner in which firms have severed ties mean his career has already suffered. The reaction is understandable; mainland Chinese society expects celebrities to not only be talented and versatile, but to also set a high moral standard. Perceived privilege and extravagance or arrogance are frowned upon, as is misbehaviour, let alone breaking the law.

Having once been China’s most valuable face, Wu’s name and image had been attached to all manner of products from cosmetics to cars. But scandals move at lightning speed in the mainland’s online world. Brands and firms that collaborated with him or paid for his endorsements distanced themselves when the allegations surfaced; those that did so most promptly have suffered least in damage to sales and reputation.

But there are also those who will do their utmost to protect interests and the tactics by some in his fan base included intentional misinformation and pressure on the alleged victims.