2 companies fined after comedian changes lyrics to Chinese song

Two companies have been fined over a performance in which a popular comedian altered a well-known song associated with the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), according to a notice issued by the Wuhan culture and tourism bureau on Monday.

Guo Degang, one of China's best-known crosstalk performers, altered the lyrics of the song during a performance in Wuhan, Hubei province, on the evening of July 24. The incident caused a serious negative social impact, according to the notice.

Following an investigation, the bureau said the performance organizer, Jiangsu Zidiruicheng Sports Culture Development Co, and the operator of the venue, Wuhan Zhongnan Theater Management Co Ltd, had violated provisions of the regulations on the administration of commercial performances.

The Jiangsu-based company was warned, ordered to forfeit 48,687.4 yuan ($7,237) in illicit income, and fined 486,874 yuan. It was also ordered to rectify the violations and strengthen its management of performers their content.

The Wuhan-based venue operator was warned and fined 110,000 yuan. Additionally, individuals involved in the case would be dealt with seriously, the notice said.

The bureau emphasized that songs related to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression carry the Chinese people's memories of the fight and national sentiments, and that no organization or individual will be allowed to distort or alter them.

It added that it would strengthen supervision in accordance with the law and safeguard the cultural market.

Hu Qing contributed to this story.