Online Drama Sparks Outrage After “99 Babies” Scene

A controversial short drama from the mainland has triggered a firestorm of criticism online. The show’s outlandish plot point of a single birth yielding 99 children has led to the director, screenwriter, and even the lead actor scrambling for damage control.

The Controversial Scene

The short drama, “Qilin Sending a Child from Heaven,” recently soared to the top of Weibo’s trending topics. The show’s premise focuses on curious elements, encompassing 68 sets and filmed over an 18-hour period. This led to over 45 million views on short video platforms. However, the scene featuring “one birth” of 99 children caused a wave of negative reactions online.

The lead actor, Wang Yuwei, quickly apologized in a live broadcast. He admitted he hadn’t read the script. He joked, “It’s really crazy, just don’t just watch it with your brain…” The director also weighed in, stating, “When the filming, I felt crazy, I’m looking for a screenwriter if I have something to do, and the screenwriter wrote it.” The platform “Jingji” has removed the show from the shelves.

Public Reaction

Netizens have been vocal in their criticism of the drama’s outlandish plot. One user commented, “I was shocked by a kid.” Another added, “The screenwriter can write, the actors are brave enough to act.” Some viewers also expressed their surprise at the show’s quick removal.

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, public trust in online content is at an all-time low, with only 20% of Americans saying they have a lot of trust in the information they get from social media (Pew Research Center, 2023).

The Drama’s Demise

The show’s controversial storyline ultimately led to its removal from the platform. The director and screenwriter have distanced themselves from the project, while the lead actor has issued a public apology and recommended viewers approach the content with caution. The rapid fall from grace underscores the importance of audience expectations.