Following a two-month investigation into the origins of Mr. Yang Wei's assets and alleged work violations, authorities announced their findings on 17/7, according to Xinhua. The investigation was sparked by a pair of earrings worn by Huangyang Tiantian, which were initially thought to be a luxury brand but turned out to be counterfeit. The jewelry, a gift from a Ms. Liu to Tiantian's mother, Si Lingha, in 2016, was valued at a few hundred yuan. Investigators found no evidence that Yang Wei, his wife, or their relatives had ever purchased authentic products from the brand in question.

The investigation concluded that Yang Wei did not embezzle charitable funds, nor did his family live in a luxury villa, contrary to claims circulating on social media. Furthermore, no members of Huangyang Tiantian's immediate or extended family hold high-ranking positions in government agencies.

However, Yang Wei did commit an offense by concealing the birth of his second child when he applied for a civil service position in 2011. He also violated regulations by establishing a business while working as a civil servant in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. On 3/7, he was fined 30,000 CNY for this illegal business activity.

As Yang Wei is no longer a civil servant, authorities did not pursue the matter of his second child.

Following the official announcement, Weibo issued a statement on the evening of 17/7, acknowledging the significant public attention the "Huangyang Tiantian luxury earrings" case had garnered over the past two months. The platform identified dozens of accounts that exploited the incident, posting content designed to attract engagement, incite public opinion, fuel wealth disparity resentment, and attack others.

As a result, Weibo permanently banned 81 accounts, including several with millions of followers, for "violating social media terms of service." The platform urged users to refrain from spreading misinformation.

Photos of Tiantian at her graduation ceremony sparked controversy in China. Photo: Weibo/Huangyang Tiantian

The controversy surrounding Huangyang Tiantian's family began in May after the actress posted a photo wearing earrings "borrowed from her mother." Netizens compared them to a luxury brand, estimating their value at approximately 2.3 million CNY. Questions arose about how her father, a former civil servant with a modest income, could afford such luxury goods. Rumors spread about the family's wealth, alleging that Tiantian's mother used numerous designer items and that they lived in a villa. Millions shared accusations that Yang Wei had amassed his wealth through embezzlement, fueling public outrage. These allegations prompted the official investigation.

Huangyang Tiantian, 18, has been absent from public events and social media for the past two months. Born in Shenzhen, she studied dance from a young age and participated in numerous dance and modeling competitions. She has appeared in minor roles in popular series such as Princess Agents, Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, Nirvana in Fire, Ming Dynasty, The Long Ballad, and Story of a Noble Family. Earlier this year, she debuted in two films: To My 1999 and Wu Fu Lin Men.

Nhu Anh (Sina, The Paper)