The figure known as the godfather of the law in cinematic circles faced severe backlash as allegations of abuse surfaced from students and colleagues. Even when discounting exaggerations, the case marks a major turning point in the industry and fuels the ongoing feminist MeToo movement. Many applicants have condemned abuses and violations already, and if some accounts from a prestigious acting teacher prove false, the turmoil could intensify further.
A middle‑aged man in his forties, Du served as a director and professor at Yingluzhantai, a prominent arts and experimental institute that has long acted as a stepping stone to the Beijing Film Academy and other renowned centers. He held master’s degrees from the Beijing Film Academy and was widely assumed to have an influential footprint. Shi Ziyi, a former student who now commands a large following, revealed in a detailed post that Du did not meet artistic criteria. In a lengthy Weibo thread, the student described sexual abuse at age 17 and recounted disturbing assignments that involved sexual themes. The post also mentioned another student of the same age who faced rape and dropped out, ultimately noting that the alleged misconduct spanned roughly 15 years.
Du allegedly subjected his pupils to psychological pressure, exploiting the most vulnerable individuals to draw them closer. Shi explained that during pivotal moments in their lives, many students faced fears and were told that sex was a path to artistic achievement. The message she attributes to him suggested that sex was inseparable from art, and that no art school would accept them without such experiences. In Chinese television, he reportedly resisted sexually explicit depictions in period dramas, a contrast that underscores the contradictions of his stance on sex education.
up to 19 victims
The school severed ties with its former principal and pledged tighter oversight. Du offered a muted, ambiguous apology directed at anyone who might be harmed. He dismissed the accusations as exaggerated or false, praising his methods as controversial but effective in helping students reach their goals and alter their destinies.
The allegations quickly spread across social networks, turning into a widespread narrative with testimony from victims—there are at least 19 documented cases—and a flood of comments. The case drew national attention and prompted a police investigation, culminating in Du’s arrest. Another staff member from the same institution, Zhao Weixian, faced arrest on charges related to photographing students changing clothes.
Internet, complaint area
Online communities have emerged as a powerful force in contemporary China, challenging long‑standing censorship norms and exposing abuses of power within the Communist Party and beyond. A single credible complaint can ignite a broader public reckoning. A luxury watch photo of a local official or a teacher’s sexual misconduct could trigger a wave of scrutiny that brings accountability to the forefront. While party leadership remains shielded by certain controls, the online landscape shows notable progress compared with past eras.
The MeToo movement arrived later in China, complicated by traditional attitudes and entrenched sexism. The scale of cases sometimes yields mixed signals: fear of legal charges is waning on networks, and prominent figures across fields such as television, academia, religion, and sports have found themselves exposed. China has signaled zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and has enacted ambitious laws to address the problem, which was previously swept under the rug. However, many cases do not reach court due to stigma and difficulties in proving harassment, and prosecutors sometimes face counterclaims of defamation from accused perpetrators.