China to Ban "Sissy" Boy Bands

The Chinese state media regulator stepped up a cultural crackdown as it called for an official boycott of "sissy" boybands and effeminate men in public media.

The 8-point plan for media regulation also calls to "clean up" the industry, with an end to 'vulgar' influencers and reality TV shows.

It also calls for media companies to boycott "sissy idols" who "violate correct beauty standards," as well as other "immoral" media forms. This is a direct attack on a number of boybands who have enjoyed popularity in the country in recent years, such as TFBoys, Uniq, Super Junior-M, and Exo-M, who have all been attacked for chasing fashion and wearing makeup, contrary to the Chinese state's ideals of masculinity.

A boycott of influencers who flaunt their wealth is also included after one actress was fined $46m for tax evasion. "Idol selection" shows are also under the ax, including shows that show the children of celebrities. The regulator also wants TV hosts to “insist on correct political direction and values, criticize the fake, ugly and evil values" of celebrities and influencers on media channels.

This comes as China continues to crack down on the video games industry and social media. Zhao Wei, the billionaire actress, recently disappeared from the internet entirely: all mentions of her, media containing her, and credits that list her, have been removed from Chinese platforms. All discussion was shut down, with no official reason given – the actress was forced to deny that she had fled to France.

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