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Comedian Zhao Benshan rumors no laughing matter

Speculations that a prominent comedian under investigation for criminal charges have been circulating on social media since Saturday following his conspicuous absences from several major cultural conferences.

Zhao Benshan, whose skit performances had become a mainstay on China Central Television's Spring Festival galas since his debut in 1990, has not appeared on the program for the last two years.

Rumors surrounding his being sidelined by authorities mounted after Zhao was not invited to attend a symposium on culture and art chaired by President Xi Jinping in October.

Even a local culture conference held in Zhao's northeastern hometown of Tieling, Liaoning Province had failed to invite the seasoned actor.

A post viewed more than 100 million times on social media lists a number of rumors, ranging from police finding 20,000 kilograms of gold in Zhao's home to an arrest for his suspected involvement in prostitution and organized crime.

Though Zhao has not made an official statement, two of his apprentices have spoken out against the rumors.

"Please not to hurt the comedian who accompanied us for half an century," posted Cheng Ye, one of Zhao's apprentices, on Sina Weibo Sunday night.

However, the overseas edition of People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China, ran a commentary Sunday night dismissing him as an irrelevant performer.

"Zhao cannot make Chinese laugh anymore and has long been out of touch with mainstream culture. For an artist, this is tantamount to being caged," read the commentary.