Silence, Betrayal, and Backlash: How a Company's Mishandling of Its Actors Sparked Controversy and Fan Outrage
- Axden Jackson
- Apr 13
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 14
In the entertainment industry, the bond between a company and its actors is essential for success. When both parties collaborate effectively, they create captivating stories that resonate with audiences, leading to high ratings and critical acclaim. However, when that relationship breaks down, the consequences can be swift and damaging. This reality recently hit an entertainment company when they chose to ignore a prime opportunity for two of their most beloved actors, resulting in widespread fan disappointment and actor frustration.
What started as a missed chance for collaboration spiraled into controversy as the company’s silence incited rumors and fan outrage. Many felt betrayed and disillusioned when their voices went unheard. Let’s dive into the details of this unfolding drama, examining the missed opportunities, the rising discontent among fans, and how this incident has impacted both the actors, their fandom, and the company in significant ways.
The Initial Opportunity and Decision
The stir began when an exciting project surfaced, one that perfectly blended strong storytelling with star power. This endeavor featured two of the company’s most popular actors, who had amassed a loyal fan base over the past year, following their successful series: Blank the Series. The chemistry between them proved captivating on and off screen, striking a chord with viewers.
When news about this potential project surfaced, anticipation skyrocketed. Fans eagerly awaited what could be a game-changing narrative, possibly allowing the actors to exhibit their talents in new and remarkable ways. Unfortunately, the company made a shocking decision and opted to pass on the opportunity entirely. By not prioritizing this venture, they left countless fans and the actors themselves in a state of disbelief. (Read more about the 4 Elements project here)
The Aftermath and Ignored Concerns
As fans flocked to social media to express their disappointment, the company's silence was deafening. Public outcry grew louder, with supporters questioning why the beloved duo was denied what many deemed a perfect fit for their talents.
Despite the escalating clamor for answers, the company remained quiet, further fueling speculation. Fans began fearing that they might be splitting up the beloved acting pair following a statement by a producer in the industry, which only amplified feelings of betrayal. Frustration boiled over, leading dedicated followers to boycott the company and unfollow them on social media. The silence stripped away any goodwill that had previously been cultivated, leading to a significant rift between the company and their supporters.
The Company’s Announcement and Backlash
After days of mounting pressure, silence, and dismissing fans’ concerns, the company finally promised to address the situation. Fans hoped for clear communication and explanations that could alleviate their concerns.
In response, fans came together—not with anger, but with intention. Across platforms, they organized, collaborated, and created lists of clear, thoughtful questions demanding real answers and accountability. This moment wasn’t going to be about vague statements or surface-level PR—it should be about truth, transparency, and respect. They were not there to be pacified, they were there to be heard.
However, the actual announcement was far from what they anticipated. The company revealed that one of the actors would be terminating her contract. Fans reacted with disbelief and outrage as the company seemingly shifted blame entirely onto her. They failed to provide rationale for their decision regarding the project that they rejected, nor did they answer any of the questions raised by fans. This dismissive approach ignited even fiercer outrage among the fan community.
The Statement: A Breakdown
On February 17th, fans waited with bated breath for the company to finally address everything. The CEO took to TikTok live to address everyone, where she read the following statement:
“We would like to address the topics that have been raised and clarify our position as follows:
First, we acknowledge that Ninestar Studios and Khun Faye have differing perspectives regarding internal working styles and potential conflicts of interest with external personal businesses. Despite previous attempts to find common ground, we were unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. As a result, we are now in discussions to terminate our contract, including addressing concerns related to potential penalty fees.
To clarify, Ninestar Studios does not impose any penalty fees on Khun Faye for this contract termination. The no early termination penalty condition was agreed upon from the moment she signed the contract with us. Therefore, no fees will be imposed. However, contract termination is a process that takes time, and once it is legally finalized, we will provide updates to fans.
Regarding any ongoing projects or events that have been signed with clients, both Khun Faye and Ninestar Studios will honor and fulfill those commitments. We assure our clients that all existing agreements will be respected.
Regarding Faye and Yoko’s personal relationship, the company will not comment on such sensitive and personal matters. The contract termination discussions are solely based on professional differences. We have made every effort to find a resolution.
At Ninestar Studios, our mission is to support and develop our artists while elevating the standards of locally produced content to a global stage. To achieve this, we enforce specific guidelines, including discipline in social media usage, content quality, public appearances, and setting a positive example for the fan community. These standards are designed to enhance each artist’s unique brand, expand their fan base, and create greater professional opportunities.
Finding and pairing artists with strong chemistry for our productions is a challenging process that involves many considerations. Faye and Yoko, as a pair, have received immense support and admiration from fans, which we deeply appreciate. However, if an artist does not align with our direction and professional expectations, the company must seek a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
On a personal note, I joined this team because I deeply admire Khun Wan’s ability to create unique, heartwarming content, her keen eye for discovering and pairing the right talent, and her expertise in nurturing artists to reach their full potential. There is so much she can and will accomplish, and I encourage everyone to continue supporting her vision as she works to develop our artists and bring meaningful content to life.
As part of the management team, I am committed to restructuring the company and preparing it for its journey toward the global stage. We are currently developing new content and shows, and we will announce our future releases when the time is right.
Regarding the ongoing discussions and debates across social media, we encourage everyone to approach information and rumors with caution. The only individuals who fully understand the details of the contracts, including their terms and conditions, are the management team and the artists involved. All parties have been bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) from the beginning, ensuring that contract details remain confidential. Therefore, we ask that anyone claiming to possess such information refrain from spreading unverified rumors, as misinformation can cause unnecessary confusion and harm to all parties involved.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We remain committed to fostering exceptional talent and creating meaningful content.”
Key Points
“Ninestar Studios and Khun Faye have differing perspectives regarding internal working styles and potential conflicts of interest with external personal businesses”
The company’s claim of a “conflict of interest” regarding the Faye’s external business ventures is both misleading and inconsistent with their prior actions. She was already a co-owner of her previous hair salon at the time of signing with the company—an established fact that was fully transparent. Furthermore, throughout her time with the company, they not only acknowledged her entrepreneurial efforts but actively allowed—and at times encouraged—her to promote her future ventures during interviews, live broadcasts, and public appearances. Yoko also actively promoted Faye’s businesses and encouraged fans to look forward to her clothing company and upcoming hair salon. To now cite this as a reason for conflict is not only contradictory, but appears to be a deflection from deeper, more systemic issues at play.
“Regarding Faye and Yoko’s personal relationship, the company will not comment on such sensitive and personal matters”
It is disappointing that the company chose to subtly reference the actresses' personal relationship during the announcement of a contract termination—an announcement that should have remained professional and focused solely on business matters. This approach appeared to be a calculated attempt to distract from the real issues at hand, and to plant the narrative that the termination was rooted in personal dynamics rather than addressing the broader, systemic concerns raised. What makes this all the more troubling is that, just a month later, the company would go on to openly discuss and expose their private relationship during a press conference—despite Faye not even being present to speak for herself. This clear breach of respect and professionalism highlights a concerning inconsistency in the company's handling of personal boundaries and raises questions about their true intentions. Using personal relationships as a deflection tactic not only undermines the individuals involved, but also shifts attention away from the accountability the company should be taking for its own actions.
“However, if an artist does not align with our direction and professional expectations, the company must seek a resolution that benefits all parties involved.”
The company’s statement claiming that Faye did not align with their “professional expectations” is not only unfounded, but deeply disrespectful to her character and career. This is an individual they actively sought out and chose to work with—fully aware of her values, work ethic, and established reputation. Throughout her time with the company, she carried herself with unwavering professionalism, grace, and dedication in every project she undertook. Colleagues, directors, and staff who have worked closely with her consistently speak to her integrity, passion, and tireless commitment to her craft. To attempt to discredit her now, after benefiting from her talent and hard work, is both dishonest and damaging. This statement appears less about truth and more about protecting the company’s image, even at the expense of someone who gave nothing but her best and who they built their success off of.
“her (Wan) expertise in nurturing artists to reach their full potential.”
This entire section of the statement was appalling. To pivot from blaming Faye to praising the company’s owner—the very individual at the center of the conflict, and the one responsible for the situation that ultimately led to her departure. Rather than take accountability or reflect on what went wrong, the company chose to redirect the spotlight to her, asking for support on her behalf while diminishing Faye’s contributions. Not to mention how this entire situation is proof of her inability to “nurture artists to reach their full potential”, given the fact that she pulled the artists out of such a huge project with absolutely nothing to give them in return. To ask the public to support the person who caused the harm, while simultaneously discarding the one who gave so much to the company and its success, is not only tone-deaf—it’s a blatant attempt to rewrite the narrative. The public sees through this. Respect is earned through honesty and accountability, not through performative statements that mask the truth.
“All parties have been bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) from the beginning”
This statement is especially important to remember going forward as we witness how the company is able to create a narrative regarding what happened and the parties involved, whilst those involved aren’t able to share their truth.
The Rallying Cry for Support
Following the announcement, a groundswell of support for the actress began to emerge. Fans rallied behind her, voicing their displeasure with the company's handling of the situation. Many took to various platforms to share their perspectives, advocating for accountability and recognition for the actress’s hard work and loyalty.
Support for her grew exponentially, highlighting the need for genuine communication between companies and the artists who contribute to their success. Fans emphasized the bond built on trust and appreciation for the actress’s craft, demonstrating that their loyalty extended beyond the screen.
In addition, the industry responded with a wave of support. Colleagues, collaborators, and fellow professionals who have worked closely with her came forward to share their experiences, unanimously emphasizing her professionalism, talent, and integrity. Their voices have underscored a growing call for accountability and fairness in the industry, reaffirming that she was never the problem—the company was, especially considering that up until this day, not a single person has defended the company.
Some of their former working partners have since cut ties with them. P’Pin, a musical producer who worked with the company for all of their previous music releases including the OSTs for their series, posted this statement following the announcement, “I’m done with this ceo! I will work with people who have the same attitude as me. People who want to create great work and who have empathy for others.” The production company responsible for season 2 of Blank the Series and the first few episodes of The Newbie, also announced that they were no longer involved in any productions by Ninestar.
The Fandom’s Response and the Path Forward
This controversy stresses the importance of transparency and open communication between companies and their audiences. Ignoring fan sentiment not only leads to disappointment but can result in serious fallout, including resignations from beloved actors who feel disrespected.
Actors aren’t just assets; they are individuals whose artistic contributions resonate with many. Companies must prioritize nurturing these relationships. By fostering open dialogues and addressing concerns promptly, they can uphold a positive rapport with fans and the talent involved.
While fans were committed to expressing their love and support for Faye going forward, they were also determined to share their discontent with the company and their handling of the situation. This situation coupled with all of the other wrongdoings of the company (Fans' grievances) only amplified the movement of a full boycott of Ninestar. In the days following, fans remained steadfast in their stance against the company, continuing trending hashtags, and planning ahead for how they would proceed with the boycott. Find out here how you can join in and help the cause.
The Broader Implications of the Controversy
This situation served as a critical wake-up call for companies in the entertainment industry. It underscored the power of fans and their unwavering commitment to the artists they support. Fans are no longer just passive viewers; they are vocal advocates for the individuals whose work they admire. Entertainment companies must understand this dynamic. The fervor with which fans defended their favorite actors showed the strength of their attachment. This situation underscores the need for organizations to engage meaningfully with their audience and consider the long-term consequences of their decisions on relationships built over time.
The incident made it clear that a company's silence leads not just to speculation but also erodes loyalty, which companies work hard to build. Moreover, the upheaval highlighted the imbalance often present in the relationships between actors and companies. It’s essential for entertainment businesses to foster supportive environments where talent feels valued—not just as a means to profit, but as creatives who contribute to a shared vision.
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