Beijing police announced Tuesday they had arrested eight people for taking drugs. Among them was Li Daimo, a 25 year old singer made popular in the first season of 'The Voice of China'.
Li was detained in Beijing on Monday night together with five others who took amphetamines at the singer’s home in Sanlitun, Chaoyang district. Two other suspects were arrested at a hotel in Fengtai District. Urine samples of the suspects all tested positive for amphetamines and they admitted to taking the drugs.
The case drew considerable attention on Weibo, with many netizens condemning Li’s actions. Others found it hard to believe that Li, a native from Heilongjiang province and one of the most popular contestants during the first season of 'The Voice of China' in 2012, took drugs.
Li’s record company issued a statement on Tuesday night, stating they “deeply regret” Li’s behaviour. The company apologized to his fans as well as the general public on his behalf.
Chinese showbiz has seen its share of drug-related scandals in recent years. In 2011, Hong Kong actor Max Mok was arrested, three months after Chinese rock star Xie Tianxiao. In 2012, actor Zhang Mo was caught using drugs in his villa.
According to an unnamed manager of a Chinese culture communication company some celebrities take drugs to fend off their psychological misery. "The self-worth of many stars in the showbiz hinges on applause from the public, and they suffer from spiritual emptiness in their lives from time to time," he said.
[Image via Xinmin]
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