On May 8, actors Li Xinze and Du Yuchen posted on social media claiming that the web series "Ping Le Fu" did not have their authorization. They urged iQiyi Inc. to halt its release immediately upon receiving a legal notice to prevent further losses.
The legal letter stated that "Ping Le Fu" began filming on May 15, 2024, but production was halted midway due to issues with the producer, Beijing Shourun Film and Television Media Co., Ltd. (Shourun). As of the date of the letter, Shourun had failed to pay 90% of the performance fees owed to Li and Du.
The letter also alleged that "Ping Le Fu" violated the actors' rights of portrait, name, and performer. It warned that if iQiyi proceeded to release the series despite knowing about the contractual dispute and the show's incomplete status, the platform would be considered jointly liable for infringement.
In response, iQiyi's official web drama account issued a statement, asserting that "Ping Le Fu" is a revenue-sharing series for which iQiyi holds complete and legal copyright. The platform emphasized that ownership evidence is clear and that the series had undergone regulatory review as required. iQiyi stated that the dispute is a contractual issue between the production company and the actors. The platform said it contacted relevant parties promptly after receiving feedback and expressed understanding of the actors' concerns. iQiyi recommended resolving the matter through negotiation or legal channels and announced that the release of "Ping Le Fu" would be postponed until an agreement is reached.
According to public information, "Ping Le Fu" was originally scheduled to premiere exclusively on iQiyi on May 7. The series is currently unavailable on the platform.
Following iQiyi's statement, Li Xinze and Du Yuchen issued another public response on the evening of May 7, thanking iQiyi for its swift action. They stated their intention to pursue legal action against Shourun for unpaid fees and unauthorized use of their portrait, name, and performer rights.
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