Dubbed the “queen of idol dramas”, Joe is also seen as a ratings magnet and has established a solid reputation for herself as an A-list actress. But the 37-year-old has been hit by a spate of bad publicity recently for a variety of reasons.
In September this year, she was called out by netizens for being “heartless” when she did not put up a memorial post on social media after the passing of fellow actor and close friend Kimi Qiao; she was also mocked for being a one trick pony and doing idol dramas at 37 years old. Earlier this year, she was even accused of cohabiting with a 16-year-old actor by anti-fans.
Despite being a constant target of online vitriol, Joe took things in her stride and maintained a professional front – earning the respect and pity of fans especially when she had to put on a happy face at a recent work event.
The actress’ 10-year-old pet cat “Rou Bao” (the name of her pet) was said to be undergoing an operation on the same day as said event and although she is very attached to it, she could not be by its side due to work commitments.
Her brother, who also manages her work schedule, recently revealed, “She texts me every morning when she wakes up to ask me if Rou Bao is doing well. And she often ends up in tears after [reading] the messages – she has always been such a kind-hearted person.”
He also spoke up for his sister and revealed that despite her strong front, she has her weak moments and once told him that she feels like “escaping” from this messy and complicated world.
Joe addressed her fans via a social media post yesterday and apologised for putting them through all these hardships recently.
“Actually, I don’t feel good about it too, I always thought of myself to be a strong person but when I’ve experienced how kindness can’t fight against evil, it made me realise how weak I am,” she wrote. “But I still believe in being honest and aboveboard.”
“This is just another hurdle, let’s hold hands and overcome it together,” Joe wrote, thanking fans for their love and support at the end of her message.