A skincare testing expert in China has exposed a social media influencer for falsely selling “anti-cancer” skin products to her sick mother. A skincare efficacy testing engineer, nicknamed Huahua, borrowed 200,000 yuan (US$28,000) for surgery for her cancer-stricken mother, whose health was deteriorating. Huahua was forced to borrow the money after she discovered her mother had spent her entire savings on an oral liquid sold by key opinion, or KOL, leader Zhang Qi, who claimed it had cancer-fighting properties.
On April 19, Huahua said to Zhang in a video: “I beg you to stop cheating my mum out of her money.” Zhang Qi, 33, from Jiangsu province in eastern China, gained 1 million followers on Douyin by selling his “anti-cancer” product. He claimed it could prevent the disease, and also treat heart conditions and cervical tumours.
During a livestream, Zhang performed an experiment, which he claimed showed that his product contained collagen. He poured alcohol into the oral liquid, stirred it, and scooped out a gelatinous substance. “This is the nutritious collagen in our product,” he said.
His live-streams draw up to 10,000 viewers, predominantly elderly people. “Why should you buy my products? Not because of me, but for yourself. What you’re buying is your health and safety for the rest of your life,” Zhang told his audience.
“I sell this product to benefit humanity. I am spreading positive energy.” In other videos he boasted about his two luxury cars.
