Why China is warning comedians about gender jokes after a viral stand-up set on divorce

In a rare public warning, officials in China’s Zhejiang province have urged comedians to avoid provoking gender-based “opposition” in their routines, calling instead for “constructive criticism” rather than jokes made “for the sake of being funny”. The statement, issued via a WeChat article by the province’s publicity department, comes amid a surge of online support for a female comedian who spoke out about her abusive marriage during a televised set, The Guardian reported.

The warning did not name the performer directly but referenced iQiyi’s The King of Stand-up Comedy, which recently featured Fan Chunli—stage name “Fangzhuren”—whose deeply personal story of leaving her allegedly violent husband earned her a standing ovation and viral attention on Chinese social media.

Comedy under watch in China’s gender debate

The Zhejiang publicity department warned that comedy should not become a “battlefield” for gender disputes, calling on performers to avoid simplifying complex issues. “Criticism is obviously fine,” the article said, “but it should be constructive rather than revolve around gender opposition.”

The department suggested comedians reflect on broader social contexts: “Instead of mocking ‘blindly confident men’, explore the social causes for this mentality. Instead of blindly ridiculing ‘materialistic women’, reflect on how consumerism shapes gender roles.”

While not explicitly named, the timing of the warning coincided with the widespread popularity of Fangzhuren’s performance, which was widely shared on platforms such as Weibo and Bilibili. The former sanitation worker from Shandong province moved audiences to tears as she recounted her journey from domestic abuse to self-emancipation, ending her set with the revelation that she had left her husband.

A crackdown on feminist voices

Women’s rights remain a sensitive issue in China, where authorities have dismantled much of the country’s feminist activism over the past decade. Comedians such as Yang Li have previously drawn the ire of official censors and corporate sponsors for satirical takes on gender roles. In 2024, Yang lost a brand deal with JD.com after joking about male self-confidence, leading to a torrent of online backlash.

Yet the public reaction to Fangzhuren has been markedly different. Her story has resonated across gender lines, sparking applause from audiences and support on social media. “When I said in the village I wanted a divorce, I was … unforgivable,” she posted. “On the outside, when I talk about my divorce, the audience applauds.”

Backlash to official guidance

The WeChat post has triggered a wave of criticism from online users who see the guidance as another attempt to silence women. “Just saying the facts of what happened is provoking opposition between men and women?” one popular Weibo comment asked. Another remarked, “Once something is discussed from a female perspective it is labelled gender opposition—isn’t that too sensitive?”

While state controls over art and speech in China are nothing new, the public support for Fangzhuren underscores a growing appetite for authentic female narratives—even if the official line remains uneasy with their power.