Authorities have fined two companies and stated that one of China's most recognized comedians, Guo Degang, created a "negative impact on society" after an audience reported him for altering the lyrics of a patriotic song during a comedy show. The Culture and Tourism Bureau in Wuhan city announced Monday that Guo had "distorted" a patriotic song. The bureau fined the company hosting Guo and the theater for violating commercial performance regulations and indicated that relevant personnel would face serious consequences, though specific punishments were not detailed.
Guo, known as China's foremost performer of xiangsheng, a traditional comedic dialogue form characterized by wordplay and rhymes, was placed under investigation by Wuhan authorities in August, according to local media reports.
Revolutionary songs carry the memory of the Chinese nation’s War of Resistance and the feelings of the people. No organization or person can be allowed to distort or misrepresent them, authorities stated in their announcement of the fine, referencing China's resistance against Japan beginning in 1937. The performance had received prior approval from Wuhan authorities, but the lyric change was not, potentially violating regulations for commercial performances, Chinese state media previously reported.
State media also reported that Guo employed "mocking words" at the conclusion of the song. The lyrics were from "Playing My Beloved Pipa," a song featured in "Railway Guerrilla," a well-known 1950s film depicting Communist-led guerrillas battling Japanese forces during World War II. Pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument akin to a lute.
Following the incident, Guo was on tour, and multiple shows were canceled. He has not appeared in public since, and his troupe's social media page has ceased updating. Guo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.