Guangdong TV Slammed for Objectifying 14-Year-Old Olympian

By Lars James Hamer, February 10, 2022

0 0

Guangdong Tiyu, Guangdong TV’s sport network, has been scrutinized by netizens after they discussed, “Who’s more popular among men, Eileen Gu or Quan Hong Chan?” The latter being a 14-year-old girl. 

The show aired on the evening of Wednesday, February 9 and Weibo users immediately began criticizing the topic. 

One user said: “As a member of the media, marketing this disgusting topic is full of disrespect for underage women! They are Olympic champions, please promote proper values.”

“Guangdong Tiyu, are you sick? The person who chose this topic must be out of their mind,” said Weibo user @_Isue.

Another Weibo user @花城9头鸟 joined others in calling for the TV station to apologize: “Guangdong Tiyu must apologize to Gu Ailing, Quan Hong Chan and all women! The purpose of women's hard work is never to please and cater for men, but to better themselves and society!” 

At the time of publication, neither Guangdong TV nor Guangdong Tiyu has issued an apology. 

Quan Hong Chan is a Chinese diver from Zhanjiang, Guangdong. She was born on March 28, 2007. In the 2020 Summer Olympics, she won gold in the individual 10 meter platform. 

This week Eileen Gu made headlines when she won gold in the Women’s Freeski Big Air.

Following her win, she was asked how she balanced keeping everyone from both China and the United States happy. She said: “I’m not trying to keep anyone happy. I’m an 18-year-old out here living my best life. If people don’t believe me and people don’t like me, that’s their loss but they’re never going to win the Olympics.”

READ MORE: Triumph and Tribulation for China’s Foreign-born Winter Athletes


[Cover image via @zengzengle/Weibo]

more news

Messi Finally Addresses 'Hong Kong Incident'

Superstar explains he missed game due to injury.

Welcome 2024 with a Beijing Staycation in the Clouds

See off the last afterglow in 2023, and welcome the first ray of sunshine in 2024.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Soon Open for Tourism

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge tourist trial operation is scheduled to open in mid-December 2023.

This Day in History: Birth of 'Lust, Caution' Author Eileen Chang

Writer of Lust, Caution born in Shanghai.

We're Hiring: Editor (Beijing)

Want to work for China's number one English-language media company?

WATCH: Turbulence on Shanghai-Beijing Flight Injures 2

A flight attendant and a passenger on the Air China flight were reportedly "thrown to the ceiling" of the plane.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives