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On April 27, nearly a year after the "earrings controversy," Sina Entertainment released a video interview with Huangyang Tian Tian. In the interview, Huang recalled for the first time the course of events before and after the controversy, as well as her emotional journey. She admitted that even though there had already been official announcements (from authorities) and clarifications, it has still been very difficult for her life to return to normal in a short period of time.
In May 2025, photos of Huang's coming-of-age ceremony outfit drew attention when netizens pointed out that her earrings appeared to be from the luxury brand GRAFF's collection, allegedly priced at 2.3 million yuan or approx. $336k (later, an official statement from authorities confirmed they were imitations worth 300 yuan).
Many Chinese netizens argued that Huangyang is still a young actress, should not be engaging in such high spending. Subsequently, she posted on social media: "I borrowed the earrings from my mother," which in turn sparked further questions online over the income of her father during his tenure as a public official, and Huangyang Tian Tian, 17 at the time, became embroiled in a controversy that was talked about by the whole Chinese internet.
Rumours went around that the "earrings were bought with the disaster relief funds intended for victims of the devastating 2013 earthquake that killed hundreds," which caused a nationwide frenzy, though the claims were later proven false.
Though the investigation confirmed that the earrings were counterfeit, it was revealed that her father hid the fact of launching a private business on the side, in violation of public sector regulations, and had deliberately concealed the birth of a second child in breach of China's now-defunct one-child policy — considered a major taboo for officials. The issue ended with a formal reprimand and confiscation of 30,000 yuan (approx. $4300) in illegal profits.
In the interview, Huangyang Tian Tian recalled that the school's coming-of-age ceremony required everyone to wear formal attire and dresses. Because she "felt it was something worth commemorating properly," she found the green dress she later wore at home, as well as the pair of earrings. "My classmates and I tried on outfits together, and everyone thought the earrings matched the dress quite well and looked nice, so we took a lot of photos and posted them."
In the video interview, Huangyang Tian Tian mentioned that when the incident was escalating, she was preparing for the Gaokao (China's national college entrance exam). As a boarding student, she could only access a computer during certain special classes. Therefore, she only learnt about the incident when a day student told her about it that morning.
That evening, when she used a computer to look it up, she saw the pop-up alerts. "I was trembling. I felt it was unbelievable, and I also felt very helpless. [I felt that] I hadn't protected my family well."
Huangyang Tian Tian said that until her father spoke out, she had never expected public opinion to grow increasingly intense. "I thought that after an explanation was given, everyone would understand that the matter is not true. I didn't expect more things to happen, with new voices [allegations] emerging every day."
At the time, there were still about two weeks until the Gaokao. She said that because of online public opinion, she cried every night. Unable to sleep, she forced herself to get up and memorize English until she was exhausted enough to fall asleep.
Huang once again emphasized that the earrings were "not real", and said that after the incident, she engaged in a great deal of reflection. "Why did this happen? It was because of my own mistake. In this profession, one's words and actions are all subject to attention. I didn't realize that [deeply], and I should have been more careful."
The actress further revealed that she spent the summer after the college entrance exam giving statements, cooperating with the investigation, and gathering evidence and materials.
"The feeling [I had while] cooperating with the investigation was just waiting for the results… When so many people say [the same thing], you also start to doubt yourself. Many people said our family was very rich, that we had a villa and such. My younger brother even messaged my mom asking, 'Do we really have a big villa?'"
Even with the release of official reports, the impact has persisted. Some netizens call Huangyang Tian Tian "Earrings Girl," and her phone still receives a large number of harassing calls and messages every day.
The teen actress also revealed that some extreme netizens online had even said things like, "Where is Huangyang Tian Tian? Let's find her and 'deal with' her." Her younger brother was bullied at school because of this incident, her grandparents worried about her safety, and even teachers and friends who had been speaking up for her faced verbal abuse.
Huangyang Tian Tian said that even before this incident, during the filming of Perfect Match, some people would send her insulting private messages and maliciously edit her photos. So the label "Earrings Girl" is still manageable for her.
She admitted that it is very difficult for life to return to normal in a short period of time. "[Even] after a clarification is issued, it doesn't mean everyone knows about it. You'll find that many people still believe that the incident is true… I feel that clarifying things is a good thing, but (for people to accept the truth) is still something that requires time, emotional energy, and patience."
She expresses that, after going through this controversy, she has come to realize that public figures do indeed need greater public scrutiny. It has also helped her understand the different perspectives people have, and that she should be more cautious in her words and actions.
It is reported that the only time she cried during the interview was when the reporter asked, "What lesson did you learn at eighteen?" Her response was, "Why did I only grow up at 18?" "All of these things were a result of my (immaturity). If I could have grown up a little faster, then maybe these things wouldn't have happened? It makes me feel that turning 18 came a bit too late. I should have become an adult earlier."
Huangyang Tian Tian also posted a statement, once again apologizing for everything that has happened, and saying she will work hard to become an adult worthy of everyone's trust.
