An exclusive interview with Guo Meimei recently published in well-known fashion magazine, Marie Claire, caused widespread outrage among Web users Monday with some even demanding the magazine cancel the piece and apologize.
Almost 3 million Web users commented about the story on sina.com. The Sina microblog launched an online vote asking whether web users agree Guo's story should be on the cover of the magazine. By the end of Monday, about 500 Web users had participated in the online poll.
About 87 percent chose "no" because they thought media should have higher values. Thirty-five percent said "yes" because they believe Guo is a controversial person and her story has news value.
The magazine was unavailable for comment Monday.
"Guo's actions are disgusting and the magazine is annoying and shameful. Let's not buy the magazine," a microblogger named "architecture Kenny" said.
"The media's credibility and reputation are more important. If the magazine's publisher knows anything at all, he will destroy the issue and make an apology to the public," Web user "Xiashang" said.
Guo, 20, claimed to be the general manager of the Red Cross Chamber of Commerce and showed off her luxurious lifestyle on her microblog in June, which sparked public anger as corruption speculation swirled around the Red Cross Society of China.
The article titled "Guo Meimei who has never thought of herself as a public enemy" described Guo as a naive and simple girl who adores well-known brands and fashion.
It covered Guo's childhood and her shopping habits. Noting that her mother supports all Guo's spending and that Guo wants to enter the entertainment business.
"All the answers Guo gave us surprised us because they were so simple," the magazine said.
Some Web users believe the magazine's report will help her in the entertainment industry.
Wang Sixin, a law professor at the Communication University of China, said the public shouldn't get worked up about the story.
"The magazine has the right to publish stories fulfilling its style," Wang told the Global Times. "If you don't like it, you could choose not to read it. If it's that bad, no one will buy it in the future. But, demanding the magazine retract the report is an excessive demand."
Marie Claire belongs to Hachette Advertising, a French wholly-owned enterprise. It is affiliated with France-based Lagardère Active, the world's leading media group that publishes more than 260 magazines and newspapers in 43 countries and regions.