- By Srishti Pandey
- Thu, 02 Jan 2025 10:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Zhao Lusi, the 26-year-old star of the popular Chinese drama Hidden Love, recently made headlines after collapsing on the set of her latest project. She was rushed to a hospital in Shanghai, sparking widespread concern among fans and the entertainment industry alike. Videos of the actor in a wheelchair went viral, raising questions about her health and well-being.
On December 18, reports surfaced that Zhao Lusi had fallen ill during filming. Witnesses described her as appearing weak and unsteady before being taken to the hospital. Following her hospitalization, her agency released a statement confirming that she was under medical care and had suspended all work commitments to focus on recovery. The statement read, “During the shooting period, Ms. Zhao Lusi devoted a lot of time and energy to this. On the 18th, she suddenly felt unwell and went to the hospital for examination and treatment immediately.”
While the agency refrained from disclosing specific details about her condition, speculation among fans pointed to severe stress, depression, or even a neurological condition, potentially caused by the pressures of her career.
#ZhaoLusi courageously shared her diagnosis with a caption:🥹
— Jodi (@itsmejodiiii) January 1, 2025
“𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈”
Diagnosis:
Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder with Anxiety Condition
Treatment:
•BMI < 18.5, malnutrition identified. Referral to the Nutrition Department… pic.twitter.com/Xh1eNIKC6h
#ZhaoLusi:
— jov ☀️ (@wonwoncity) January 1, 2025
This is my first and last response to everything that has happened recently. I sincerely apologize for taking up public attention.
Before all this, I never allowed my illness to affect my work or those around me. I also acknowledge my own shortcomings. I’ve always… pic.twitter.com/cvg8lwE5eh
Wow #ZhaoLusi is so brave. To openly share & talk about her struggle with mental health & abuse in the industry. I hope she has all the support & protection she needs moving forward. 🙏🏼
— Bee 🐝 (@CitrocityB) January 1, 2025
+ her words are reminder to haters—words have consequences. People are not your punching bags.
#zhaolusi sharing with us updates of her journey to recovery 🫂❤️
— 🐰 (@youniebear) December 31, 2024
the fact that she chose to share with us such real and raw moments during her toughest times ☹️☹️☹️#FreeZhaoLusi #TruthForZhaoLusi pic.twitter.com/hacdVACGWT
Amid the concern for Zhao Lusi's health, a close friend of the actor took to Weibo to share shocking details about the emotional and physical abuse she endured in her career. According to the friend, who claimed to have Lusi’s consent to reveal these details, the actor was subjected to harsh treatment by her management in 2019.
The friend described an incident where Zhao Lusi was berated for over two hours by a staff member who criticized her talent, appearance and weight. The verbal abuse reportedly escalated to physical aggression, leaving the young actor deeply shaken. “She told me about someone who had dragged her into the bathroom and berated her for hours, saying things like how useless she was and why she couldn’t land a lead role,” the friend wrote.
View this post on Instagram
The abuse left a lasting impact on Zhao Lusi’s mental health. Despite her strong exterior and efforts to bottle up her emotions, the toll of these incidents became evident in her physical health.
Zhao Lusi’s fans, who have admired her for her breakout role in Hidden Love, expressed outrage over the revelations. Many took to social media platforms, trending hashtags like #TruthForZhaoLusi and #FreeZhaoLusi, demanding accountability from her management.
One fan wrote, “She deserves so much better. Let’s demand the truth!” Another added, “We stand with you, Rosy. No one should have to go through this.”
While Zhao Lusi is now recuperating at a friend’s home after being discharged from the hospital, her supporters remain concerned about her mental and physical health. Her friend’s heartfelt message concluded with hope: “We believe she will recover, regain her smile and return to her vibrant self. Let’s send her all the love and positive energy she needs.”