Wuhan Fines Firms Over Comedian's Altered Patriotic Song

Authorities in the Chinese city of Wuhan have fined two companies linked to a comedy show by Guo Degang, one of the country's most prominent performers of traditional xiangsheng, after he changed the lyrics of a patriotic song during a performance.

The Culture and Tourism Bureau said on Monday that Guo had "distorted" the song, creating a "negative impact" on society. The bureau fined the company hosting Guo and the theater for violating rules on commercial performances. It added that relevant personnel would be "dealt with seriously," though it did not specify the punishments.

The song in question, "Playing My Beloved Pipa," comes from the 1950s film "Railway Guerrilla," which depicts Communist-led fighters resisting Japanese forces during World War II. State media reported that Guo used "mocking words" at the end of the song.

Authorities said the performance had been approved in advance, but the lyric change was not, potentially breaching commercial performance regulations. In their statement, officials stressed that revolutionary songs carry the memory of the nation's resistance and cannot be distorted or misrepresented.

Guo was placed under investigation in August, according to local media. Following the incident, several shows on his tour were canceled, and he has not performed publicly since. His troupe's social media page has also stopped updating. Guo has not responded to requests for comment.