Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing has been spotted in public for the first time since she suddenly disappeared in July.
Photos and video posted to Chinese social media show Fan at Beijing Capital International Airport on Monday. The 37-year-old actress is wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, and an assistant is attempting to cover her with an umbrella.
Videos by VICE
Fan disappeared from the public eye in July after Chinese media leaked that she had used “yin-yang contracts” for her movie roles. The contracts allegedly allowed her to pay fewer taxes on the money she made from starring in films. Fan stopped posting on social media and made no public appearances, prompting speculation that the Chinese government had disappeared her.
She reemerged on social media earlier this month and posted a long apology on her Weibo account in which she praised the Chinese Communist Party and admitted wrongdoing. The post seemingly confirmed suspicions that she had been detained by the government over tax evasion. Fan said she will pay a $129 million fine.
“I completely accept all the penalty decisions made according to law, after the investigation done by tax authorities,” Fan wrote. “I will follow the order, try my best to overcome difficulties, raise fund, pay taxes and fines.”
Fan is China’s most famous actress with her prolific roles, and she’s gained international acclaim via appearances in the American “X-Men” film franchise. She was slated to appear in a film alongside international stars like Marion Cotillard and Jessica Chastain. Fan has topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid celebrities in China for four straight years.
