“Youth with You 3” Ordered to Stop Production Due to Tony Yu’s Controversies
Although Youth with You 3 <青春有你 3> is within days of airing the finale, the music survival show was ordered to halt production by the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau over controversy involving hot favorite trainee, Tony Yu Jingtian (余景天). His family was accused of operating an illegal business. The allegations have yet to be proven, Tony has withdrawn from the competition but due to public pressure.
On April 29, the controversy first emerged when netizens accused Tony’s family of operating a karaoke business as a front for drug trafficking and prostitution. More than 10 different drug trafficking transactions allegedly took place within the vicinity of the karaoke business.
While Tony’s agency tried to dispel the rumors by denying his role in the illegal activities, it did little to change public outcries.
Tony’s mother also responded that the family had long sold the business to another business partner, and made administrative changes to the commercial rights. The family denies their involvement in any illegal activities, and vowed to take legal actions against those responsible for spreading the rumors.
This did not deter netizens as they found evidence that Tony’s father was registered as the business owner in 2018. In addition, some netizens found damning evidence from the karaoke’s recruitment ads as they tried to hire young ladies. The business was also reported in Sichuan local news network business suspension resulting from drug trafficking.
Adding to the heated controversies, Tony received backlash for his dual citizenship. Born in Chengdu in 2002 and raised in Canada, netizens pointed out that it is illegal to hold a dual citizenship in China.
Future as Idol Uncertain
Passionate for a career in the music industry, Tony previously joined Korean music survival program Produce 101 and became the only Chinese contestant to reach the finale at the 20th rank.
Since joining Youth With You 3, Tony has consistently ranked #1 among global votes due to his skills, handsome image, and tall stature. Overworking himself to the point of fainting, his dedication and efforts are clearly seen. However, as the controversies escalated, Tony withdrew from the competition as Youth With You 3 was also forced to stop production.
Source: HK01
This article is written by Sammi for JayneStars.com.
weird and can’t understanding why 1)can’t have dual citizenship 2)stopping the show for one trainee’s family issues. it’d be so unfair to the other trainees if they do end up stopping the show,
@m0m0
I think they order the show to stop for internal investigation only. It will continue after everything is clear. Maybe clean up the SOP and rules.
Many countries cannot have dual citizenship. My country also cannot.
I’ve been watching ‘Youth With You 3’, so, I know about this news. I feel sorry for him. He’s only 18, still a child. He did not participate in his parents business. To have his dream smash due to no fault of his. Chinese netizens are way too harsh. They did not only complain on the internet. They actually complained government department.
“Since joining Youth With You 3, Tony has consistently ranked #1 among global votes due to his skills, handsome image, and tall stature. “
I think this article is still very kind to him. I started watching this show midway. Many contestants left memorable impression on me. Some because of their talent, some because of their personality and some because of their looks. Tony gave me none and I always wonder why he’s consistently no.1. Maybe he’s an all rounder. But there are also many other all rounders in the show.
@kidd
it’s mostly related to how much money your fans are willing to spend to get #1.
@kidd Tony competed in Produce 101 before so he is well known among international fans, which helped pull some votes for Youth for You 3. He speaks fluent English since he is raised in Canada, dances well, and carries himself with confidence so I can understand his appeal with international fans.
I only watched some clips here and there, but my favorite is Duan Xingxing from the start. He reminds me of Luo Yunxi in looks, and has a cheerful and fun personality.
@jayne
I like Duan Xingxing too. Not much into his look. But, his skill and personality grows on me.
Btw, Lisa likes Duan Xingxing very much. She was so happy when Duan Xingxing joined her performing team. 🙂
@kidd I remember in the first round of public votes, Duan Xingxing’s ranking was very low. It was Lisa who consistently praised him and promoted him on the show that gave him greater public awareness. Duan Xingxing’s look is very unique as he is more tanned than the other contestants, so I noticed him right away. Youth With You 3 also seems to prioritize dancing skills more than vocals, so his popularity grew over time on the show.
@jayne
Vocals are in a disadvantaged in these shows. These shows usually tune the vocals before they are aired. The off-tune and off-key singing all become in-tune and on-key. This made the truly good, stable and skillful singers couldn’t stand out, unless the contestant’s voice is really great like Xu Ziwei.
Wow!! I’m not a Chinese speaking, but I do watch the Youth with You 3 show and I’m waiting for the finale. I had no idea this was going on though. Tony has been rank #1 throughout the show. Sorry that he’s going through this. Hopefully this can be solve very soon so the show can be continue to air.
I read about the Milk Wastage scandal due to this program and Tony’s votes were also involved. Is that true?
@hohliu @Jayne, have you read about that?
@hohliu The yogurt wastage was another reason for the halting of the Youth With You 3. The authorities sensed the program was becoming too popular and influencing mass behavior in idol worshipping, and likely wants to put in the necessary checks. Hopefully, YWY3 can still air its finale and work out its problems soon. Like Tony Yu didn’t really leave the program due to “health reasons,” the show didn’t completely stop filming either because of “food wastage.”
@jayne Idol worshipping…Gosh, isn’t it too late for that? Thanks Jayne.