Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi has unexpectedly found herself at the centre of public discussion after an emotional livestream on 20 January, where she openly shared frustrations about her current working environment.
What began as a routine live session quickly turned into a raw confession, as Zhao Ying Zi struggled to hold back tears while describing the mental strain she says has been building behind the scenes.
During the livestream, Zhao Yingzi revealed that she personally covers her team’s monthly operational costs, which she said run into hundreds of thousands of yuan.
Despite the financial and personal commitment, she claimed the atmosphere at work feels distant and uncomfortable. According to Zhao Yingzi, her staff often treat her coldly, avoiding even basic greetings, leaving her to initiate communication every single time.
She also detailed the exhausting schedule on the day of the livestream itself.
Zhao Yingzi said she arrived at the venue as early as six in the morning and took part in hands-on preparations, from arranging the space to coordinating technical matters. While she was fully involved, she felt the same level of responsibility was not reflected by everyone else on the team.
Zhao Yingzi further alleged that some staff members frequently left the workplace during preparations, including stepping out to eat, while product arrangements for the livestream were poorly organised. When she tried to offer reminders or constructive feedback, the responses she received felt defensive rather than cooperative.
She described a situation where one simple comment from her would be met with a long list of justifications, making communication feel draining and unproductive.
The repeated pushback, she said, left her feeling exhausted, disappointed, and increasingly unrecognised in her role as the team’s leader. Her emotional breakdown resonated with many viewers, turning the livestream into a talking point across social media platforms.
Fan and netizen reactions have been mixed. Some supporters expressed sympathy, praising Zhao Yingzi for being honest about the pressures faced by performers who also act as team leaders.
They argued that her experience highlights the often unseen emotional labour behind livestream commerce and entertainment work.
Others, however, questioned whether internal team issues should be addressed publicly, suggesting that management conflicts are rarely one-sided and may involve deeper communication problems on both ends.
There were also neutral voices calling for calm, urging the public not to rush to judgement and hoping the situation can be resolved privately and professionally.
Many agreed on one point: the incident has once again exposed how emotionally demanding the entertainment industry can be, especially when personal and professional boundaries blur.
What do you think about Zhao Yingzi’s candid confession? Is speaking out publicly a brave step, or should workplace conflicts stay behind closed doors? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.