(Yicai Global) May 18 -- Chinese entertainment groups have been cancelling comedy performances after the authorities imposed a USD2 million penalty on Xiaoguo Culture Media because one of its stand-up comedians used unapproved content, leading to public anger and censure. 

Xiaosheng Culture Media, the firm behind Xiaoguo, was fined CNY1.3 million (USD185,000), will have CNY13.4 million (USD1.9 million) of illegal gains confiscated, and will not be allowed to perform in Beijing indefinitely, the city’s cultural and tourism regulator announced on May 15.

In response, Shanghai-based Xiaosheng said it would fire the comedian involved -- Li Houshi, whose stage name is ‘House’ -- place the executives and relevant business team on probation, cut their salaries, and rectify its offline performance business. And its mobile app does not list any future shows, Yicai Global found.

The schedule of another stand-up comedy company, Beijing-based Danliren Culture Media, is also empty. The customer service department of another firm, Owl Comedy, said its performances in Shanghai are running as normal, but those in Beijing have been called off.

At a live performance in Beijing on May 13, Li referenced a slogan of the People’s Liberation Army, triggering anger and condemnation from the public. He had changed the preapproved content, the watchdog said.

China’s stand-up comedy market has been growing in recent years. The number of comedy clubs had risen to nearly 180 as of 2021 from fewer than 10 in 2018, according to Xiaoguo.

Editor: Emmi Laine