You know you’ve made it when you’re the “queen” of something. But when that title is “The Most Hated,” it’s usually a sign that your brand strategy has gone off the rails. In 2025, the court of public opinion in China was in full swing, and a select group of A-listers found themselves on the receiving end of intense backlash.
From alleged “diva” behavior on set to explosive accusations of bullying and contract fraud, these stars dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here are the top names on the most-hated list this year.
1. Esther Yu Shuxin (Esther Yu): The “Queen” of Controversy
Taking the top spot on multiple lists this year is actress and singer Esther Yu Shuxin. Once labeled “The Most Hated Celebrity of 2025,” she faced a perfect storm of negativity, from her privileged background to a series of professional misconduct allegations.
The “Princess” and the debtors. Initially known for her “rich girl” image and quirky on-screen persona, Yu’s background in a wealthy family linked to major real estate and steel firms began to spark resentment. This turned to fury when reports resurfaced of her parents’ legal troubles, including being blacklisted as “dishonest defaulters,” all while she continued to flaunt a luxurious lifestyle online.
The “Workplace Bully.” The most damaging accusations came from a colleague. During a variety show, actress Zhang Haoyue accused Yu of hair-pulling, verbal abuse, and workplace intimidation, which she claimed caused severe depression and psychological trauma. This led major brands to sever ties with the actress. Old clips showing her supposedly mocking or interrupting co-stars like Ding Yuxi and Dylan Wang resurfaced, cementing her reputation for being difficult to work with.
A “Viral” but polarizing reputation. Ironically, Yu’s cringe-worthy, over-the-top acting style became a viral meme on social media, boosting her visibility even as her image tanked. While she gained over 500,000 Instagram followers during the chaos, many still question whether this “firestorm fame” built on public debate can be sustained.
2. Zhao Lusi: From Sweetheart to Storm Center
Zhao Lusi, once a beloved rising star known for her sweet image, found her career in turmoil in 2025. Her fall from grace didn’t just involve a single scandal but a dramatic public feud with her agency and concerns over her own health.
The messy “divorce.” In August 2025, Zhao took to Weibo to publicly accuse her agency of refusing to return control of her personal studio and misappropriating funds without her consent. She threatened to quit the industry, writing, “Don’t worry about banning me — I quit”.
A health crisis exploited? During this feud, Zhao shared hospital documents diagnosing her with severe depression and anxiety, which she said worsened during the grueling filming of a drama. While many offered support, critics accused her of using her health issues for PR sympathy, adding to the controversy. This, combined with accusations of being miscast and facing intense fan backlash, landed her a firm spot on the most-disliked list.
3. Song Zu Er: The “National Little Sister” No One Wants
Song Zu Er, once affectionately known as China’s “National Little Sister,” saw her innocent image completely shatter in 2025.
The fateful side-eye. At the 2025 Tencent Video Starlight Awards, a simple viral clip was her undoing. As veteran actor Dan Jian Shu gave an acceptance speech, cameras caught Song displaying what many called a disdainful expression. Another clip showed her interacting with fellow actress Zhao Lusi, where her expression soured after an initial smile, leading netizens to accuse her of a hostile glare. The backlash was swift, painting her as arrogant and unprofessional.
Past skeletons resurface. The renewed scrutiny also unearthed older scandals, including a 2023 accusation from former company employees alleging she had evaded nearly 45 million CNY in taxes and rumors of her involvement in underground financial activities. Previously, she had also been criticized for being ungrateful to a senior actress who had helped her early career, as well as for several public drunk incidents. For many, the “Little Sister” facade was officially over.
4. Li Mingde: The Meltdown Heard Around the World
In the annals of spectacular celebrity meltdowns, Li Mingde’s story is one for the books. The actor’s behavior on and off set became so extreme that his career didn’t just derail—it exploded.
From live-stream critic to vandal. Li’s downward spiral began during the filming of ‘Three’s Company,’ where he repeatedly used live-streams to launch heated critiques at his co-star, Ma Tianyu, and the production team. His social media accounts were eventually permanently blocked.
But the situation escalated to an absurd new level when Li Mingde was arrested for vandalism. Reportedly enraged by illegal parking, he kicked a Mercedes-Benz, breaking its side mirror and tearing off its logo. While he initially agreed to pay 90,000 RMB in compensation, he reneged on the promise, leading to legal action that effectively terminated his career. His rise to the “most hated” list was fueled by a combination of unprofessionalism, public ranting, and sheer criminal audacity.
5. Ju Jingyi: The “4-Millennium” Idol’s Epic Legal War
Known for a time as the ‘Most Beautiful Idol in 4 Millennia,’ Ju Jingyi’s 2025 wasn’t about a viral faux pas—it was about a brutal, high-stakes legal war with her own agency.
Forged signatures and economic crimes. A bitter contract dispute exploded publicly in December when her agency, Siba Media, filed a lawsuit claiming her contract was valid until 2033. Ju countered that the contract had ended in 2024 and that a key supplementary agreement extending the term was “forged” with a fabricated signature.
The drama escalated when Siba Media issued a “final notice,” demanding she stop “infringement and smearing” and threatening to report her to regulators for alleged “serious economic crimes”. The agency released what it claimed was a handwriting appraisal report, but Ju’s lawyers strongly challenged its interpretation. While she had previously been a top earner, the messy dispute over finances, forged documents, and threats of criminal investigation saw her reputation take a severe hit and placed her in the crosshairs of public scrutiny.
From the “princess” being accused of workplace bullying to the “little sister” caught in a viral side-eye, 2025 made one thing clear: in the age of social media, your past actions are never truly gone, and a single moment—or a single expression—can destroy years of goodwill. For these five stars, the year will be remembered not for their roles, but for becoming public enemy number one.
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