Actor receives unexpected show of public support after prostitution bust

Being involved in a prostitution scandal normally spells career disaster for most celebrities, but a famous Chinese actor has unexpectedly been greeted by a largely sympathetic public response after being caught out in a alleged prostitution bust.

Huang Haibo, a 39-year-old actor best known for playing the “nice everyman” over the years in Chinese TV dramas and movies, was nabbed last week at the scene in a Beijing hotel for allegedly soliciting prostitution after police received an anonymous tip-off.

He confessed his involvement to police and was sentenced to 15 days’ detention for prostitution, which is illegal on the Chinese mainland.

Huang is known for his wholesome image and has been given the nickname “national son-in-law” for often playing the part of an honest married man on popular romance TV dramas.

The recent scandal may have been a far cry from his screen image but most members of the public appeared not to mind too much. The news led to a surprising outpouring of sympathy on social media networks in the days following his arrest, with some even saying he did not deserve media scrutiny for his actions.

“No one is perfect. I am not disappointed by you because of this,” said one fan online.

Many defended him arguing he had done nothing immoral as according to media reports he is a single unmarried man.