Movie star Li Yifeng in big fall

Mainland actor Li Yifeng, who played Mao Zedong in 2021 movie The Pioneer, a work based on early party stalwart Li Dazhao, has been detained by Beijing police on suspicion of soliciting prostitutes.

A Beijing police statement spoke of detaining an actor with the surname Li over multiple instances of soliciting prostitutes, and broadcaster CCTV confirmed the person is Li Yifeng.

The 35-year-old actor, also known as Evan Li, launched his career after taking part in a television song contest in 2007 and later moved into acting.

Several brands, including Italian luxury firm Prada, cut ties with Li immediately after the CCTV report. Prada said it had "ended all cooperation" with Li, without saying what prompted the move.

Li last year also appeared in a public service announcement to promote national security.

Beijing has been targeting Chinese celebrities over misbehavior, concerned by their growing influence especially over minors.