Chengdu authorities penalize influencers for exploiting 92-year-old vendor

In Chengdu, China, a 92-year-old egg pancake vendor known as Grandmother Xue has become an internet sensation due to her fiery temperament and blunt service style. While her popularity has brought her significant monthly income to support her family, it has also attracted numerous content creators seeking viral footage.

Authorities in the Chenghua District have taken action against two influencers, identified as Wang and Yan, for engaging in what netizens have termed ‘camera bullying.’ The creators were found to have used staged scenes, malicious editing, and exaggerated titles to exploit the elderly woman’s personality for traffic.

Following an investigation, the Chenghua District Internet Information Office announced that the creators' accounts were dealt with according to the law, and the individuals received administrative education and legal lectures. The incident has sparked a broader public debate regarding the ethics of social media influencers who target vulnerable individuals for engagement.