In an effort "to keep the industry healthy", celebrities and other media personalities who have been involved and charged with illegal drug cases and those alleged of soliciting the services of prostitutes will be barred from appearing in the state television channels and other media platforms.

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A report from China Daily disclosed that this move reflected the determination of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television to eradicate the negative influences of popular personalities on China's youth. In a statement from the said agency, the involvement of stars in the recent controversial cases involving drugs and prostitution "set a bad example for the country's youth".

In a declaration from the Chinese government, the ban from the media outlets will apply to celebrities caught breaking the nation's laws. As a consequence of their disobedience, these popular personalities will be barred from appearing in programs. In addition, the airing or publication of their works will be suspended. The ban enforced on the erring celebrities will also be applicable to online media.  

The most prominent cases pertaining to this concern include the arrest of the son of Jackie Chan on the strength of drug charges filed against him this year.

Jaychee Chan and Taiwanese actor Kai Ko were both captured in August this year following the disclosure of their positive test results for marijuana. In a search conducted by the state police, more than a hundred grams of illegal drugs had been discovered inside Mr. Chan's residence.

Another drug-related case involved the actor Gao Hu. He had been arrested on the same month for having in his person marijuana and methamphetamines.

With respect to personalities soliciting the services of prostitutes, Wan Quan'an, a known film director, and Huang Haibo, an actor, had been detained on allegations of hiring sex workers.

According to the state news agency Xinhua, the productions that featured Huang, Gao, and others arrested for the aforementioned charges had been immediately dropped after the announcement.

"Their actions have hurt the entire industry and have brought extremely bad and adverse consequences to the whole society, therefore we strongly condemn their actions," stated a spokesperson from the China Radio and Television Association.

TagsState Administration of Press, Jaycee Chan, marijuana, Kai Ko, Gao Hu, Huang Haibo, Wan Quan'an, prostitute, prostitution, sex worker, Xinhua