Guo Degang Faces Probe Over Wuhan Song Riff, Postponing 1 Xi'an Show
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Guo Degang Faces Probe Over Wuhan Song Riff, Postponing 1 Xi'an Show
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Summary
Guo Degang, 53, is under official investigation after he altered lyrics from a patriotic war song during a July performance in Wuhan, with authorities confirming the case on Tuesday.
Wuhan's culture and tourism bureau opened the probe last week after receiving a complaint and is examining whether Guo violated rules requiring performances to be vetted in advance.
1 scheduled show in Xi'an was postponed after the investigation surfaced, and organizers have not said whether it will be rescheduled.
Guo's case spotlights the shrinking room for comedy in China, where performers use cross talk and stand-up to hint at social criticism but face tighter ideological controls under Xi Jinping.