According to Videoland News, Chinese actress Bai Lu has become embroiled in controversy after several clips of her interactions with guests on the variety show Keep Running were selectively edited and widely circulated online. The viral clips sparked accusations that she was “disrespecting senior colleagues” and “lacking empathy.” However, veteran cast member Li Chen has never publicly expressed dissatisfaction, while Zheng Kai addressed the issue during a livestream, saying, “We’re all brothers. Don’t think too much about it.”
Recent third-party data shows that Bai Lu has lost nearly one million followers in just one month, with her follower count continuing to decline over several consecutive days. As the controversy escalated, the production team, fellow cast members, and fans stepped forward to provide additional context and clarification.
The main controversy stemmed from a May 20 episode in which Bai Lu splashed water on Li Chen during a game segment while he was lying on the ground. A five-second clip of the moment was isolated and widely shared online, leading some viewers to accuse her of breaking the rules and showing disrespect toward a senior entertainer.
In reality, splashing water was a normal part of the game designed by the production team. Throughout the segment, all participants splashed water on one another. Sha Yi splashed Li Chen, Fan Chengcheng splashed Bai Lu, and Bai Lu herself was splashed multiple times by other cast members. Some fans pointed out that the final broadcast omitted scenes showing Bai Lu being splashed as well as footage of her later handing Li Chen a towel. As a result, the shortened clip lacked crucial context and contributed to misunderstandings. Li Chen never publicly voiced any complaints, and Zheng Kai reiterated during a livestream, “We’re all brothers. Don’t think too much about it.”
Another issue involved actress Meng Ziyi. Online rumors claimed that Meng attempted to rescue Bai Lu after falling into the water but was instead pushed underwater by Bai Lu. Clarifications later noted that Bai Lu was wearing a life jacket and could float on her own. After falling into the water a second time, she resurfaced quickly. According to footage from the scene, Meng Ziyi, startled after falling in, grabbed onto Bai Lu in panic, which accidentally forced Bai Lu underwater for several seconds. The incident was described as an accident rather than intentional behavior by either party.
Bai Lu also faced criticism for referring to Li Chen and Zheng Kai as “energetic old folks,” with some netizens claiming she was mocking the veteran members of the show. However, longtime viewers noted that age-related jokes have been a running gag among the cast for years. Similar teasing has occurred before, including Angelababy once jokingly calling Deng Chao an “old man.” Both Li Chen and Zheng Kai reportedly responded with laughter, and the atmosphere on set remained friendly.
Another controversy involved claims that Sha Yi continued driving after experiencing altitude sickness and receiving oxygen treatment in a high-altitude region. Some online users blamed Bai Lu for not stopping him. However, the production team explained that Bai Lu had actually reminded Li Chen and Zheng Kai not to push themselves too hard at high altitudes and had also discouraged cast members from attempting risky underwater breath-holding challenges. The self-driving arrangements were made by the production team and were not decisions made by any individual cast member.
In response to ongoing speculation, the Keep Running production team publicly denied rumors that Bai Lu would be leaving the show. They emphasized that recent team adjustments were part of normal filming arrangements. Legal experts also noted that spreading misleading information through edited clips could constitute defamation or the dissemination of false information. Reports indicate that related parties have already filed lawsuits against 76 individuals suspected of spreading rumors.
As discussions continue online, supporters argue that the incident highlights the dangers of short, out-of-context clips on social media and how selective editing can dramatically distort public perception.
