"I feel ashamed and guilty of what I did" – Variety

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, devastated by hefty fines for tax evasion, issued a comprehensive apology Wednesday, claiming that she felt "shameful and guilty of what I did".

It was his first public statement after months of silence on his Weibo social network account and after enthusiastic rumors about his passing. Fans and industry watchers wondered whether Fan, the best-paid actress from China, had been under house arrest by Chinese authorities or even jailed and interrogated under duress.

Although she has not yet been seen in public, Ms. Fan stated that she had accepted responsibility for "losing my ability to govern myself in the face of economic interests," she said. leading to breaking the law ". She said she "endured an unprecedented amount of pain, deep self-reflection and introspection … I apologize to everyone! (All excuses below.)

She congratulated the ruling Communist Party in China and her fans for her success as an actress. She and her businesses now have to pay up to 883 million RMB ($ 129 million) in arrears of taxes and fines. Fan said that she would pay the penalties and promised in the future to "enforce the law and abide by the ordinances".

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His punishment comes as the Chinese government steps up its campaign to make sure that all citizens adhere to the party line, which demands respect for "fundamental socialist values" and frowning through ostentatious demonstrations of wealth. Officials have also opened an investigation into the use of double contracts in the entertainment industry, where only the one of lower value is reported to the tax authorities. Fan admitted to practice.

Within hours, his excuses had been re-posted more than 100,000 times and had received nearly 500,000 "likes." Fans were generally in agreement with the authorities, but also declared their love and support for the actress.

"Respect the result, accept the critics. We still have [heart emoji], "Wrote a Weibo user.

"Humans are not saints. It is impossible for us to make any mistake. Being able to correct your mistakes is the right thing to do, "wrote another user.

Read Fan's excuses in their entirety, translated from Chinese:

Letter of apology

Recently, I endured an unprecedented pain, undergoing deep self-reflection and introspection. I am ashamed and guilty for what I have done and, here, I sincerely apologize to everyone.

For a long time, I did not defend the responsibility to protect the interests of my country and society against my personal interests. I am ashamed of committing tax evasion in "Unbreakable Spirit" and in other projects by taking advantage of "split contracts". During these days of cooperation with the tax authorities during the investigation conducted on my accounts as well as that of my company, I realized that As a public figure, I should have observed the law, thus setting a good example for society and industry. I should not have lost my ability to govern myself in the face of economic interests, leading myself to break the law. Here, I sincerely apologize to society, to friends who care about me, the public and the tax authorities.

I fully accept the penalties imposed by the tax authorities after a thorough investigation. I will follow the final order given by the tax authorities and will do my best to raise funds to refund taxes and fines.

I have been an art lover since my childhood, and I am also fortunate to be faced with the growth of the film and television industries. Thanks to the advice of veterans and the love of the public, and thanks to my hard work, I have had some success in my career. As an actor, I am proud to showcase our country's culture on the world stage and am doing my best to be at the forefront of the situation. My success is due to the support of my country and the people. Without the major policies of [Communist] Party and the country, without the love of the people, there would be no Fan Bingbing.

Today, I face tremendous fears and worries about the mistakes I made! I missed the country, the support and the trust of society and the love of my devoted fans! I sincerely apologize here again! I apologize to everyone!

I believe that after this incident, I will uphold the law, respect the ordinances and assume my responsibilities. While continuing to do a good job for everyone, I will be closely monitoring the management of my company to ensure that it respects the law and makes it a large, well-educated, high-energy company. to the society!

Again, I apologize to the company and my dedicated fans, and to my friends and family who care about me. I say sincerely: I'm sorry!

Fan Bingbing
October 3, 2018