Comedian Li Dan fined RMB $870,000 over sexist advertising remarks

Mainland comedian Li Dan was fined RMB $870,000 (HK$1 million) after he said a bra can allow women “win in workplace by simply lying down”.

The comedian posted on mainland’s mircoblogging site Weibo on February 24 to promote a bra brand. He described the bra as “my workplace life jacket” and wrote that it is an “equipment allowing females to win in workplace by simply lying down.”

The post drew fire from the netizens, saying he is a sexist. Other also slammed him for his offensive remarks on Weibo.

The incident soon triggered a formal investigation by the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce Juhaidian Branch.

The investigation revealed that Li didn't get paid for the advertisement, and concluded he took advantage of his fame to promote the products without even wearing them.

The authorities then ruled that Li was in violation of the Advertising Law of China, and fined Li RMB $870,000.