In China, an investigation was launched into a well-known comedian following a joke about the Forbidden City
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the well-known comedian He Degan following a joke he made during a performance in Wuhan, and some of his scheduled concerts have been canceled.
The reason was an improvisation based on a revolutionary song that the artist performed in late July.
During the performance, He Degan changed one of the lines in the song “Playing My Beloved Pipa,” which is dedicated to Chinese Communist guerrillas who fought against Japanese troops during the Sino-Japanese War.
Instead of the original line, “All is calm on Weishan Lake,” the comedian jokingly sang, “All is calm in the Forbidden City.”
CNN noted that the mention of the Forbidden City could be a sensitive issue for Chinese authorities, as this palace complex has served as the residence of emperors for centuries and has become a symbol of state power. Due to its historical connection to the country’s rulers, such a reference could carry political undertones.
After the performance, a complaint was filed against the artist with the local culture and tourism bureau.
He was accused of “distorting and vulgarizing a classic revolutionary work, as well as violating public morality.”
The agency stated that the altered portion of the performance was not included in the materials that the organizers had submitted for approval in advance. As a result, the performance may be considered a violation of the rules governing commercial events.
The Wuhan Bureau of Culture and Tourism confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but did not say when it would be completed.
Meanwhile, some of Guo Degan’s scheduled performances have already been canceled.
He De Gan is one of China’s most famous comedians. He is considered one of the figures who helped popularize the traditional Chinese comedy genre known as “xiangsheng.”
The artist is also a co-founder of the Qilin Theater Company, which is dedicated to promoting traditional arts.
At the time the investigation began, He De Gan was on a tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of his theater company.
CNN notes that Chinese authorities have previously taken action against comedians over their performances.
In 2023, comedian Li Haoshi was fined 14.7 million yuan after a performance in which he used a phrase related to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. That same year, he was banned from performing.
In 2022, comedian Li Bo was fined 50,000 yuan for jokes about quarantine restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai.
The latest incident involving Guo Degang demonstrates that Chinese authorities continue to closely monitor artists’ public performances and the content of comedy shows.
CNN reported this on Tuesday, August 18.
As a reminder, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has concluded its investigation into the criminal case against Russian comedian Semyon Slepakov. He was charged in absentia, placed on the wanted list, and ordered to be held in custody as a preventive measure.
