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Chinese officials have ordered “X-Men” actor Fan Bingbing to pay $130 million in taxes and fines. The move ends the mystery over her disappearance from public view three months ago.
Fan Bingbing is one of China’s most famous actors. In 2016, Forbes listed her as one of the highest paid female actors in the world.
China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that Fan would not be investigated for the crime of tax evasion as long as she pays the taxes, fines and late fees of almost 900 million yuan, about $130 million.
The Xinhua report said Fan avoided taxes by making a $20-million secret performance contract for the Chinese film “Unbreakable Spirit.”
It is a common custom in Chinese show business for actors to make one private contract with high pay and another public contract showing much lower pay. The report said the investigation serves as a warning to all show business performers in China.
Fan apologized on the social media site Weibo.com: “I am unworthy of the trust of the society and let down the fans who love me.”
She wrote that she accepts the tax officials’ decision and will “overcome all difficulties and raise funds to pay back taxes and fines.” The post is her first update on Weibo.com since June 2.
Fan has starred in several movies and TV series in China. She is best known internationally for her performances in the “X-Men” and “Iron Man” films.
Before her disappearance, she was to appear with Penelope Cruz in the Hollywood film “355.” She also has a part in the upcoming movie “Air Strike” with Bruce Willis.
I’m Anna Matteo.
The Associated Press reported this story. Hai Do adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
evasion -n. the act of avoiding something that you do not want to do or deal with : the act of evading something
society -n. the people of a particular country, area, time, etc., thought of especially as an organized community
funds -n. available money
