Auto Influencer with Millions of Followers Sued for Defaming Xiaomi SU7; Haidian Court Holds Hearing

Today, the Haidian District People's Court in Beijing held a hearing in the case against automotive blogger "Yuanlai Shi Xiang Xiang A" (account holder Gao Ruoxiang), who is suspected of the crime of damaging product reputation. The blogger, with over one million followers, and his team released a crash test video in August 2024 comparing the Xiaomi SU7 and Zeekr 007, claiming that after the collision, the SU7’s auxiliary battery lost power and its doors could not be opened. The video drew public skepticism due to questionable footage, with netizens alleging that the battery had been manually replaced and that the test deliberately disparaged Xiaomi vehicles. Xiaomi responded that the test was unscientific and its conclusions false, and in January 2025 announced that the blogger and his accomplices had been lawfully apprehended. Authorities have since opened an investigation, and the procuratorate has approved their arrest. The involved social media accounts have been suspended since November 18, 2024. Xiaomi stated it has preserved relevant evidence and initiated legal action to protect its rights.