MCN WuYu Media Ends Contract with Influencer Amid Power Harassment Allegations
Wang Nuannuan, known for her involvement in a pregnancy-related accident in Thailand, has accused major MCN company WuYu Media of long-term power harassment and bullying. The three-year contract between the two parties has been terminated, highlighting systemic issues within the MCN industry.
Influencer Exposes Power Harassment by MCN, Leading to Contract Termination
Wang Nuannuan, who was involved in an incident in Thailand where she fell from a cliff while pregnant and also served as inspiration for the movie “Lost Girl,” has publicly ended her collaboration with major MCN organization WuYu Media. Wang accused WuYu Media of subjecting her to long-term power harassment, workplace bullying, and psychological manipulation. She recounted experiencing sudden seizures during a shoot, saying, “I felt like I was on the brink of death.” Following her allegations, WuYu Media agreed to terminate the three-year contract, officially ending their partnership.
Details of the Allegations and WuYu Media’s Response
Wang Nuannuan revealed that she was forced to conduct over 100 live broadcasts in 2025, exposing the grueling working conditions. In its official statement, WuYu Media announced that they had halted her live streaming and short video production activities and had provided medical and psychological support. However, the company denied the existence of workplace bullying or psychological control, attributing any misunderstandings to edited and misrepresented statements. The contract termination occurred as the agreement neared its expiration, and industry insiders have warned of hidden risks, such as “automatic renewal” clauses, in such contracts.
WuYu Media’s Management Issues and Talent Exodus
WuYu Media claims to manage over 100,000 contracted streamers as one of the leading MCNs in China, but it has faced a significant outflow of top talent in recent years. Last year, Liu Genghong moved to a company linked to Jay Chou, while contracts with the band Shui Mu Nian Hua and Olympic champion Li Xiaopeng also ended. Notably, the TikTok accounts of these talents no longer display WuYu Media’s MCN label. In early 2025, the company’s management flaws were further exposed when talent Zhang Dada clashed with staff, drawing criticism for WuYu’s handling of the situation.
Dissatisfaction Among Small and Mid-Tier Streamers
Reports suggest that WuYu Media’s resource allocation is highly skewed, leaving small and mid-tier streamers in a state where “no one manages or guides them.” Newly contracted streamers reportedly face a lack of venue or equipment support and receive no base salary, relying solely on tips from live broadcasts for income. In contrast, top-tier streamers enjoy concentrated resources. Data indicates that Wang Nuannuan’s account generated monthly sales of 2.5 to 5 million yuan, with a 20-second video advertisement fetching fees of 120,000 yuan.
Structural Issues and Contract Risks in the MCN Industry
In recent years, WuYu Media has been entangled in numerous contract and labor disputes. Online commentators have noted, “It’s not common to be able to get out of a WuYu Media contract.” Industry experts advise caution regarding contract clauses, especially those related to “automatic renewal” provisions. For instance, some contracts stipulate collaboration periods but require written notice for termination; failing to do so may result in automatic renewals. This case has drawn attention as a stark example of the management lag in the rapidly growing MCN industry, as well as the broader challenges and inequities within the influencer economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of company is WuYu Media?
- WuYu Media is a major MCN (Multi-Channel Network) organization in China that manages contracted streamers and talents, overseeing live broadcasts and short video production and promotion. The company claims to manage over 100,000 contracted streamers, but it has faced criticism for uneven resource allocation and management issues.
- What should influencers be cautious about when signing contracts with MCNs?
- Industry experts advise paying close attention to contract terms, particularly regarding the duration of the agreement and "automatic renewal" clauses. For example, some contracts include provisions requiring written notice for termination; if overlooked, the contract may automatically renew. It’s essential to carefully review all terms, including those related to termination conditions, before signing.
- Why has Wang Nuannuan’s contract termination attracted attention?
- Wang Nuannuan gained public attention for her involvement in a cliff-fall incident during pregnancy and her connection to the movie "Lost Girl." Her allegations against WuYu Media have shed light on issues of power harassment and poor working conditions in the MCN industry. Coupled with growing discontent among smaller streamers, her case has sparked discussions about the structural problems in the influencer economy.
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