Photo: Screenshot of a post from Huang Yangtiantian's Weibo account

Local departments in Ya'an, Southwest China's Sichuan Province issued a statement on Thursday detailing the results of an investigation into the work history and related matters concerning the father of actress Huang Yangtiantian, after Huang's recent appearance wearing "high-priced earrings" sparked widespread public discussion.

The statement came after Huang posted photos of her coming-of-age ceremony on social media. The earrings she wore were identified by some netizens as part of a classic collection from a luxury brand, with an official price of around 2.3 million yuan ($319,000), according to the Beijing Youth Daily.

Some netizens then shifted their focus to Huang' family and discovered that her father was formerly a public servant in Ya'an. 

Some discussions also speculated that Huang's father was in charge of the post-disaster reconstruction project after the Ya'an earthquake and he was suspected of embezzling post-disaster reconstruction funds, according to The Paper. Huang's father then denied on May 16 and said that this is just a rumor.

The investigation, consisting of the department of discipline inspection and supervision, public security and market supervision in Ya'an, listed the past experience of Huang's father from 2010-17. 

It has confirmed that Huang's father was not involved in any bidding, fund approval, or donation processes for post-disaster reconstruction during his time in Ya'an. However, authorities have found evidence suggesting that he may have engaged in business activities in violation of regulations while employed, and that he may have intentionally concealed an illegal second childbirth during the recruitment process and his period of employment. 

The supervisory authorities will investigate and deal with the case seriously in accordance with the law, the statement said.

Global Times