34 Years Old Chinese Livestreamer Dies After Excessive Drinking Video On Douyin Raises Concerns
The untimely death of a Chinese livestreamer known as Brother Three Thousand has ignited a national conversation about the booming live-streaming industry in China. The 34-year-old, whose real name was revealed as Wang, passed away shortly after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol during a live broadcast on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and safety measures within the livestreaming sector.
Chinese Livestreamer Dies After Filming Drinking Video
Brother Three Thousand, who had gained a significant following for his specialization in drinking baijiu, a potent Chinese liquor, pushed the boundaries during a live stream on May 16. Participating in several one-on-one battles with other influencers,
Wang consumed multiple bottles of baijiu as a form of punishment for losing rounds. Viewers estimated that he consumed at least seven bottles of the high-alcohol spirit throughout the night. Tragically, Wang was found dead 12 hours after the live stream ended.
Circumventing Restrictions And Safety Concerns
Douyin already prohibits drinking during live streams, and users who violate this rule can face penalties ranging from warnings to being restricted from livestream competitions and the app itself. Wang had previously been banned from
The platform for drinking but managed to create new accounts, amassing over 44,000 followers on his latest account. This incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of existing regulations and the ability of live streamers to bypass restrictions, highlighting the need for stronger oversight.
Safety And Regulation Of Livestreaming Platforms Under Scrutiny
With over one billion active internet users on short video platforms like Douyin, the livestreaming industry in China has flourished and is valued at around 199 billion yuan ($28 billion). However, incidents like Wang’s death have prompted concerns about the safety
And regulations surrounding these platforms. The People’s Daily newspaper’s opinion section criticized “livestream behaviors that go off the tracks,” reflecting the growing scrutiny and demand for better safeguards within the industry.
A Tragic Pattern Of Livestreamer Deaths
Sadly, Brother Three Thousand is not the first Chinese live streamer whose death has been connected to their online activities. In 2021, Yu Hailong, known for consuming excessive amounts of food on Douyin, died from the toll of long hours and high-intensity work.
Similarly, in 2018, another live streamer, “Dafei,” who gained fame for drinking alcohol and cooking oil on camera, passed away shortly after an online broadcast. These incidents raise concerns about the pressures faced by live streamers and the need for better support systems to ensure their well-being.
As China grapples with the aftermath of Brother Three Thousand’s tragic death, the livestreaming industry faces a critical turning point. Calls for stricter regulations, enhanced safety measures, and improved support for
Content creators are likely to shape the future of the rapidly growing livestreaming sector in China. The nation will seek to strike a balance between the popularity and economic potential of livestreaming while prioritizing the well-being and protection of its influencers.
