Controversy has erupted in China following reports that Chinese actress Liu Tao (48) was subjected to unwanted physical contact by the founder of a luxury fashion brand during a promotional event. The release of event footage triggered widespread criticism and accusations of sexual harassment.
According to Taiwanese media outlet Sanlih E-Television on October 28, Liu Tao was invited to attend a public event hosted by Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli in Shanghai. Throughout the event, the 73-year-old founder, Brunello Cucinelli, wrapped his hand around Liu Tao’s waist, linked arms with her, placed his hand on her shoulder, and reached out to touch her chest area in full view of attendees. The entire sequence was captured on camera.
In the released footage, Liu Tao appears to create distance by turning her body away and pulling back her shoulders. However, as photo opportunities began, Cucinelli was seen pulling her toward himself. While Liu Tao maintained a smile to ensure the event proceeded smoothly, her expression turned cold the moment she turned away after photos concluded. The video quickly spread across Chinese social media, igniting outrage among fans.
Netizens subsequently unearthed footage from previous brand events, claiming that similar behavior had occurred repeatedly. They pointed out that actor Chen Duling, who attended the same event, as well as Korean actress Kim Yoo Jung, Olympic skier Eileen Gu, and actress Li Xiaoran—who attended previous brand events—were also subjected to similar physical contact, including having their waists grabbed or being pulled close. Netizens criticized these actions as public sexual harassment.
Liu Tao is a prominent Chinese actress well known for her roles as Princess Musha in My Fair Princess III and A’zhu in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Meanwhile, Brunello Cucinelli is the founder leading the ultra-luxury Italian fashion house named after himself.
