Global Rap Star “Silenced” for Crossing Cultural Boundaries: The Story Behind Lisa’s Crazy Horse Controversy
After her performance at the world-renowned cabaret Crazy Horse in Paris in September 2023, global rapper and BLACKPINK member Lisa became the center of controversy and soon faced multiple restrictions in China. Although Crazy Horse is considered a symbol of artistic performance in France, Lisa’s participation was deemed a “cultural deviation” under China’s strict moral and media regulations.
Only days after her shows ended, backlash erupted across Chinese social media. On November 1, 2023, Lisa’s personal Weibo account, along with her largest fan club in China, was deleted or permanently suspended for “violating community guidelines.” Simultaneously, her images were removed from the official Chinese pages of Celine and Bvlgari, two luxury brands where she had served as a global ambassador.
The situation didn’t stop there. Two well-known actresses — Angelababy and Zhang Jiani — who were spotted attending Lisa’s show, also had their social media accounts locked. This wave of sanctions highlighted how China is tightening its control over celebrity behavior, especially when it concerns morality, youth influence, and cultural representation.
China has long enforced strict rules regarding celebrity images and moral standards. Anything perceived as “suggestive” or “inappropriate” can be subject to censorship. Lisa’s bold Crazy Horse performance was therefore seen as crossing the line of acceptable art. Though no official ban was announced, she became the target of a silent “blacklisting,” disappearing from Chinese media, advertising, and social platforms.
Born Lalisa Manobal in 1997 in Thailand, Lisa is BLACKPINK’s lead rapper and main dancer. Known for her sharp stage presence, confidence, and fierce style, she has become a symbol of modern K-pop’s global reach. After nearly a decade in the spotlight, Lisa’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth — proof of her massive success and influence.
Before the controversy, Lisa had been one of the most beloved K-pop idols in China. She served as a dance mentor on the hit reality show Youth With You, which achieved record-breaking viewership. Her fanbase, Lisa Bar, was famous for lavish spending — from buying thousands of albums to purchasing massive birthday billboards across Asia. Thanks to her immense popularity, Lisa was a marketing magnet for luxury brands aiming to attract young Chinese consumers.
However, after the Crazy Horse incident, her presence vanished from China’s digital sphere. For many in the media, this marked a “cold cut” between Lisa and the market that once adored her. Despite this, Lisa remains an international icon, continuing to perform at elite global fashion and music events.
Lisa’s case is more than a celebrity scandal — it’s a reflection of the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social norms in an era of globalization. In a country like China, where tradition and moral values hold immense weight, international fame alone is not enough to override cultural boundaries.
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