Social media influencer's parents face backlash for staging child's fall

A social media controversy has erupted involving Dao Dao (Yang Yi Yao), a young child from Guizhou, China, who has amassed over 20 million followers. While her content initially focused on daily life, her parents have reportedly transitioned the account into a highly scripted content production line to secure advertising contracts and increased engagement.

The backlash intensified following a video released on February 11, 2025, showing the child falling onto concrete after being tripped by another child. Viewers expressed outrage not only at the incident but at the mother's reaction. When questioned about the safety of the situation, the mother allegedly responded that she had previously instructed the other child to trip the girl so she could record the fall, stating, “Last time Dao Dao was like this, mother didn't have time to film.”

Critics argue that the family is commercializing the child's innocence and prioritizing views and gifts over her physical safety and well-being.