Fans Call Out Chinese Actor Zhang Linghe Over Alleged Racist Joke About Southeast Asians On Variety Show
His comment was perceived to be derogatory towards SEA countries.
Chinese actor Zhang Linghe has irked Southeast Asian fans with his callous comments on a variety show. This took place on Hello Saturday, a reality show that often invites participation from celebrity guests. However, the C-drama star’s recent appearance has been dissected by social media users around the world due to allegations of it being racist. Read on to find out what Zhang did and what fans think of his reaction following the backlash.
Chinese Star Zhang Linghe Panned For Alleged “Racist” Remark Against Southeast Asians
On March 6, 2026, a Hello Saturday episode was released on Chinese media platforms. In the show, one stage had Tian Xiwei (of First Love fame) attempt to draw Zhang Linghe. The final portrait was caricature-ish, with messy hair and exaggerated features. While it was meant to be funny, Zhang reportedly said he looked like he had been “born in Southeast Asia.”
The episode aired with this statement, and it soon began circulating on international social media platforms. Southeast Asians who supported Zhang were aghast at the nonchalant remark. He must have thought what he said in jest would be received well, but he got strong reactions condemning the comment.
This is what he said pic.twitter.com/BNugJjT3Ql
— anne (@rosyholp) March 10, 2026
The actor reportedly also compared the drawing to Yang Di, a Chinese comedian considered not handsome. The implication seemed to be that those from Southeast Asian (SEA) countries are unattractive.
Most fans were extremely disappointed by this sentence, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their displeasure. Some said they were dissuaded from consuming content featuring him due to this racism. Others pointed out that East Asian nationals had no business thinking they were better than SEAs. Another netizen pointed out that racism wrapped under the garb of humour is still racism.
I was literally about to start pursuit of jade and then a tweet of zhang linghe apologizing for being racist to southeast asians popped up on my tl
— nova (@novairae) March 11, 2026
Zhang Linghe is racist towards Southeast Asia is surprising to me. So dissapointed with him. East Asia people who thinks they’re better than SEA people can gtfo.
— HumanFanGirl (@fanofwangyibo) March 11, 2026
Racism masked as an “inside joke” was so normalized that people do not realize it’s indeed racism. It’s the same when Chinese people get offended when others make fun of their slanted eyes. The fact that they use SEAs for their inside joke is already racist enough.
— deღs ˙ᵕ˙ (@baijingtings_) March 11, 2026
Zhang Linghe Issues Apology On Instagram Over Racist Comment
Zhang Linghe has since apologized for these unintentional racist words. Posting a statement on his Instagram account in English and Mandarin Chinese, the actor wrote that he was “truly sorry” his remarks on the variety show caused “discomfort.” Adding that he respects every culture, he said he was very “touched” and “grateful” by the attention his Southeast Asian fans had given him over the years. He did not wish any of them to be “sad because of this misunderstanding.”
-star kaget buka ig Zhang Linghe pls dia ada minta maaaaafffff 💔💔 trs mention² SEA lagi (gue lah yg ada di SEA itu, Linghe) I mean whyy pic.twitter.com/4YNpvkqDPz
— Starfess || CEK PINNED UNTUK KIRIM MENFESS (@starfess) March 11, 2026
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Many remain unconvinced by his apology, however, saying that he only did so because he got caught.
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First Published: March 11, 2026 12:28 PM
