Frames Locals, Tests Chinese Men—Foreigner Sparks Heated Debate

Source: OT-Team(G), 潇湘晨报

A foreign social media influencer has come under fire in China after uploading controversial videos that allegedly defame and harass local residents under the guise of "social experiments."

On July 17, numerous Chinese netizens reported that a well-known female foreign influencer conducted a controversial video stunt in Guangzhou under the pretext of "testing public security in China." Accompanied by her team, she randomly accused unsuspecting pedestrians of being thieves, filming their reactions for social media content.

This was not the first time the influencer had stirred controversy. In a previous video that gained over a million views within hours of being posted on overseas platforms, she was seen initiating unsolicited physical contact with men—such as touching their legs or leaning on their shoulders—in cities including Guangzhou and Shanghai. The video, marketed as a "social experiment" to "test Chinese men," shocked many viewers. Comments online ranged from criticism to sarcasm, with some remarking, "They really looked offended," and others saying, "Turns out the purest boys are in China."

The influencer's actions have drawn criticism from both the public and state-affiliated media. One commentary stated, "Kindness is not material to be exploited for entertainment or attention. The dignity of ordinary people should never be the price paid for a so-called prank."

"If the online accounts are accurate," the commentary continued, "this influencer's behavior may have serious legal implications. Falsely accusing pedestrians could potentially violate China's Public Security Administration Punishments Law, specifically under provisions related to false accusation and provoking disturbances. If the consequences are severe, such actions might even constitute defamation. Moreover, recording and distributing such defamatory content without consent severely infringes upon the victims' right to reputation and image. Using the guise of pranks to humiliate men not only violates personal rights but also undermines public decency and the general sense of social security."