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As the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations kicked off on Tuesday, Chinese influencer Crazy Xiaoyangge, whose real name is Zhang Qingyang, faces a major scandal. The top-earning social media personality is under investigation for allegedly misleading consumers by falsely marketing mooncakes as originating from Hong Kong.
The probe involves Zhang’s company, Three Sheep Group, which is based in Hefei, Anhui province. The local regulator announced that the company is being scrutinized for deceptive practices during a live-streaming promotion. According to the statement, the investigation will determine the legal consequences for any unlawful business activities found.
Three Sheep Group, founded by Zhang Qingyang, gained attention for its live-streamed mooncake sales, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a peak season for these traditional treats. However, suspicions arose when it was revealed that the mooncakes marketed as “authentic Hong Kong-style” might not have met these claims.
Netizens have expressed a range of opinions about the scandal. Some are outraged by the alleged deception. One user commented on Weibo, “It’s disappointing to see such misleading marketing, especially during a festive time. Consumers should be able to trust the claims made by influencers.” Another user added, “Influencers should be held accountable for their actions. This is a serious breach of trust.”
Others have taken a more nuanced view. “While it’s important to address the wrongdoing, let’s not forget that the pressure to deliver on such a large scale can sometimes lead to mistakes,” a commenter noted. Another said, “We should see how this investigation unfolds before jumping to conclusions. It’s crucial to ensure that any penalties are fair and justified.”
Crazy Xiaoyangge, known for his substantial online earnings and influence, reportedly made 3.21 billion yuan (US$450 million) in 2023, according to the Guangdong E-commerce Summit Forum. This high-profile case underscores the growing scrutiny on influencers and their commercial practices.
