Xie Na cancels Beijing concert following online backlash and state media criticism

The first leg of a nationwide concert tour by 45-year-old television personality and actress Xie Na has been abruptly cancelled, following a surge of online mockery and stern criticism from Chinese state media. The Beijing show, which was scheduled for July 11, was called off over the weekend, with organizers announcing ticket refunds and compensation for those affected.

The collapse of the tour highlights a growing tension in the entertainment sector, where celebrities are increasingly becoming targets for public frustration over wealth inequality and perceived privilege. According to Dr Jian Xu, an associate professor at Australia's Deakin University, the backlash reflects a resentment toward stars perceived to be cashing in on their online popularity.

Media additions

From 'Dream' to Commercial Venture

Xie Na, a long-time member of the variety show Happy Camp, initially presented her musical ambitions as a personal journey. In April, she announced on Weibo that she finally had the chance to seriously fulfil this dream by holding solo concerts in Chengdu in May. These initial shows were warmly received, bolstered by nostalgic performances and the assistance of her husband, professional singer Zhang Jie, who served as chief director and performer.

Following the Chengdu success, Xie Na’s confidence grew. During a livestream, she claimed she could have been a pop queen, noting that by the end of the shows, she was not even out of breath.

However, the transition from a sentimental project to a commercial tour sparked accusations of betrayal. On June 6, while hosting the reality show Ride the Wind 2026, Xie Na used her platform to announce a nationwide summer tour. Critics, as reported by Maomaohype, argued she monetized nostalgia and inappropriately used a public entertainment platform for personal commercial promotion.

State Media and Public Outcry

The controversy intensified when official channels weighed in. A department of the Zhejiang province party committee published an article last month suggesting the tour was less about dreams and more about chasing profits. The piece warned that mere superficial popularity will not only fail to generate sustainable profits, but also lead to a loss of cultural refinement.

The state newspaper People's Daily followed with a commentary targeting an unnamed popular celebrity whose main job is to host who lacks well-known musical works, stating that those who gain recognition without real ability may eventually run into trouble.

Public criticism focused on several key areas:

• Vocal Ability: Netizens mocked the quality of her performances, specifically citing the song Bo Luo Bo Luo Mi.
• Pricing: Tickets were priced between 380 yuan and 1,180 yuan ($56-$174). DramaPanda reports these prices were comparable to seasoned professional singers such as Faye Wong.
• Reliance on Guests: Critics accused her of leveraging the star power of celebrity friends rather than her own repertoire to attract audiences.

The anger reached a point where some individuals claimed to have lodged official complaints regarding the tour's approvals. In one widely circulated screenshot, a direct message was sent to Xie Na's husband telling him to control your wife.

Broader Social Implications

While some supporters on Weibo argued that Xie Na should face market consequences, not personal humiliation, analysts suggest the anger is not merely about music. Zichen Wang, founder of the Pekingnology newsletter, told the BBC that criticizing celebrities is one of the safest ways for people to express frustration about money, competence, and social fairness without touching more sensitive political subjects.

Dr Xu adds that this serves as an emotional outlet for youth dealing with high unemployment and a flagging economy, contrasting their struggles with celebrities who earn large incomes with relative ease.

Tour Timeline and Status

Date/Period	Event	Outcome
April 2026	Solo concert announcement (Chengdu)	Tickets sold out in minutes
May 2026	Chengdu concerts held	Warmly received by fans
June 6, 2026	Nationwide tour announcement on Ride the Wind 2026	Triggered public backlash over commercialization
June 2026	State media commentary published	Warning against chasing profits and lack of ability
July 2026	Beijing concert (Scheduled July 11)	Cancelled; refunds issued

It remains unclear if the cancellation was a direct government directive or a risk-management calculation by the artist's management and event organizers. Xie Na has not yet commented on the cancellation of the Beijing show.