China TV host's mocking of Mao Zedong draws fire, applause

April 09, 2015 21:00

China's state broadcaster is investigating one of its hosts after a video of him insulting Mao Zedong was leaked online, causing a stir and rekindling debate on the complicated legacy of the father of communist China.

China Central Television said talent show host Bi Fujian would face serious investigation because his jokes have had a "severe social impact."

In the home video that circulated widely online before censors removed it this week, Bi sings a song about Communist Party-led soldiers battling bandits in northeastern China in the 1940s. To the laughter of guests at a dinner, Bi adds his own commentary in a speaking voice between lines.

When the lyrics refer to Mao, Bi calls the revolutionary hero a vulgar phrase and says "he has ruined us all." Bi also mocks the soldiers, suggesting their battles were pointless and the song's claim of victory boastful.

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