An intriguing case of unpaid wages in the Chinese film industry has come to light. On May 27, Sohu disclosed that actor Liu Jin, who played a secondary character in “A Portrait Of Jianghu: Bad Guys,” disclosed that the film’s producers had failed to remunerate him with his wages amounting to 16,000 Chinese yuan (2,200 USD). Further, Liu Jin confirmed that Mao Xiaotong, the principal actress, fell prey to the same issue with the said production.
Mao Xiaotong had a contract stipulating a remuneration packet of 12.5 million Chinese yuan (approximately 1.7 million USD) for her headlining act. Nevertheless, the actress found herself empty-handed post the shoot. Subsequently, in 2021, Mao Xiaotong pursued legal appellate against the film’s producing entity, Yin Bai Nian, managed by an individual named Wang, to recover the promised sum.
Mao Xiaotong witnessed victory in court, where Yin Bai Nian was decreed to reimburse the overdue income plus a supplemental late charge of 2.5 million yuan (around 345,000 USD). Despite the adjudication, Wang professed that the company’s financial state hampered any asset provision to fulfill the court’s mandate. Regrettably, seven years have elapsed, and Mao Xiaotong is yet to receive the total awarded sum of 15 million Chinese yuan (over 2 million USD).
Mao Xiaotong, with a 1988 birthdate, earned her prominence with performances in notable works like “Empresses in the Palace,” and several supportive but memorable roles including “The Magic Blade,” “The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” “The Romance of the Condor Heroes,” “Love Yunge from the Desert,” “Love O2O,” “The Princess Weiyoung,” “Nothing But Thirty,” and “The Bond.”
Her stellar performances have garnered public admiration, highlighting her ability to naturalistically convey characters and dialogue.
In her current project, “Joy of Life 2,” Mao Xiaotong’s role as the Northern Qi Princess, though supportive, commands attention for her skill in portraying a character that is simultaneously innocent, kind-hearted, and regal in her presence. The romantic subplot between her character and the First Prince of the Qing Kingdom is a significant draw for the audience.
In stark contrast to many of her contemporaries, Mao Xiaotong maintains a notably uncontroversial personal life. Overcoming an early life fraught with familial challenges, she emerged from an environment where her father’s preference for a male heir led to an attempt to discard her. Post her parents’ divorce, she was raised single-handedly by her mother. Mao Xiaotong later faced extortion from her estranged father who threatened her public image.
Adding to her personal trials, Mao Xiaotong was once embroiled in a cheating scandal with her former beau, actor Chen Xiang. Keeping silent initially to preserve Chen Xiang’s stature, the actress eventually felt compelled to unveil evidence of his infidelity to vindicate her own reputation.
Source: K14
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mao Xiaotong?
Mao Xiaotong is a Chinese actress born in 1988, known for her work in television dramas and films such as “Empresses in the Palace,” “Love Yunge from the Desert,” and “The Princess Weiyoung.”
What was the financial dispute involving Mao Xiaotong?
Mao Xiaotong was involved in a financial dispute after not receiving the promised payment of 12.5 million Chinese yuan for her leading role in a film. She won the court case but has yet to receive the cumulative amount of over 2 million USD from the production company.
What is Liu Jin’s connection to the unpaid fee incident?
Liu Jin, who played a supporting role in the same film, reported that he, too, was unpaid by the production team. He also owed 16,000 Chinese yuan.
What is Mao Xiaotong’s current acting project?
Mao Xiaotong is currently appearing in the Chinese drama “Joy of Life 2,” where she plays the role of the Northern Qi Princess.