Bi Fujian (right) is reportedly to be replaced by Zhu Jun (left) to host the TV show Xingguang Dadao, after a video of him mocking late chairman Mao Zedong goes viral online. (Photo provided to China Daily)
China Central Television host Bi Fujian is reportedly to be replaced by his colleague Zhu Jun on one of State media's most popular shows Xingguang Dadao, or Avenue of Stars.
Bi was recently suspended from the TV station after a scandal in which he was secretly recorded verbally insulting China's late chairman Mao Zedong and the revolution.
One of the oldest and most popular hosts at CCTV, Bi, 56, joined the TV station in 1989 and has gained nationwide fame since 2005 for his comic hosting style on grassroots talent show Xingguang Dadao. Having run for 10 years, the show remains one of CCTV's most watched TV programs.
Bi was also chosen to co-host CCTV's annual Spring Festival Gala, one of the country's most important cultural events, for four years running since 2012.
But his career faced a quick downturn after a video was released on weibo, a Twitter-like micro blog platform, featuring Bi using vulgar words to describe chairman Mao.
In the video, Bi was apparently trying to amuse his friends at what appeared to be a private banquet, by singing a Chinese opera, which was later recognized by netizens as part of the model opera, Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy. Developed during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), model operas mixed traditional performances with Western theatrical forms to feature revolutionary themes.
At first all appeared normal, except Bi ended each sentence with self-improvised content that was mocking and dismissive toward Mao and the revolution. For example, after singing the original lyrics "where the red flag points the dark clouds disperse. People in revolutionary regions overthrow the landlords and free themselves", Bi sang, "Hah, what have the landlords done that offended you?"
The video triggered heated discussion online and netizens' opinions remain divided. Some believe Bi has the right to freely express himself, while others think it's inappropriate to describe Mao in such a mocking way.
The video also led to reactions of another kind: Many netizens tried to determine who at the banquet, which included three foreigners, filmed Bi singing.
In a recent piece of commentary on Xinhua Daily Telegraph, affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, using Bi's case as an example a critic writes, "argots, vulgar and dirty talk should not be seen as a symbol of freedom of speech". As it becomes easier for us to express our opinions, he writes, words without the slightest scruples can only be said to the "tree holes" instead of ears of the public.
On April 8, CCTV made an official announcement saying that given the scale of influence Bi's words have had, it will investigate the matter and deal with the situation according to certain regulations.
The following day Bi posted a letter of apology on his personal weibo account, saying that he felt remorse and distress. He wrote that he will learn his lesson and be strict with his own behavior in the future.
Bi has since remained silent.
Bi's personal information has been removed from his profile page on CCTV's official website. There are no results when searching for Bi's name on the website. Local media quoted an anonymous inside source as saying that Bi has been suspended from his role and is currently under investigation.
There has been no indication from the TV station as to what will happen to Bi in the future.
