The 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' star releases a statement to apologize to her country and fans after Chinese government says she faces a $70 million fine.
- Oct 3, 2018
AceShowbiz - Fan Bingbing has broken her silence after she's reported missing since June amid rumors of tax evasion. On Wednesday, October 3 local time, China's State Administration of Taxation said she owes up to $128 million in back taxes, fees and additional fines following an investigation.
After state-run media outlet Xinhua reported the news, the 37-year-old actress, model, television and pop singer released a statement via her Weibo account. "I failed my country which nurtured me; I failed the society which trusted me; I failed the fans who liked me," she wrote, according to translations.
She stated, "Everything I ever accomplished came from the country and the people's support. I would be nothing without the party and the country's good policies, as well as the love and support of the people." Admitting her guilt, China's highest paid actress stated, "I totally accepted all of them, and will raise funds to pay my taxes and penalties regardless of any obstacles."
China's State Administration of Taxation and the taxation authorities in Jiangsu Province found that the actress owed $37 million (255 million RMB) in back taxes and faces a $70 million (479 million RMB) fine. Some media outlets in the country said that she might owe more than that. Bingbing will avoid a criminal trial and inevitable conviction if she pays the money she owes to the country in full.
Back in September, Bingbing's disappearance sparked rumors that she might be kidnapped by the Chinese government after Securities Daily, part of the state-run media, published an article saying that Bingbing had been brought "under control and about to receive legal judgment." The article has since been deleted.
The tax evasion case was brought into attention in June when a "disgruntled TV host" leaked documents which detailed "an alleged tax-dodge scheme by an unnamed major star-instantly identified online as Fan." The star was accused of practicing illegal "yin and yang contracts," in which she allegedly would have two contracts for one gig, with one contract stating her actual salary and another showing a lower wage number to submit to tax authorities.
Bingbing starred in Hollywood superhero blockbuster "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014) and is set to appear in upcoming female-driven thriller "355" along with Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o and Penelope Cruz.
