A former girl group member has responded to accusations of animal abuse. The accusations stem from a viral video of her and her pet dog.
Curley G (also known as Curley Gao and Xinlinnayi Gao) is a Chinese singer who rose to fame in 2017 after competing on the survival show Sing! China. After winning first place on another survival show, Produce Camp 2020, Curley G debuted as the leader of the girl group BonBon Girls 303. After BonBon Girls 303 disbanded in 2022, Curley G debuted as a soloist.
Recently, Curley G took her dog with her to a public event. One video captured the idol dragging her small dog by its leash through a crowd.
The star then picked up the dog by its leash, which was attached to the dog’s vest, rather than bending down to scoop the dog up into her arms. The video, which went viral on Chinese social media, reportedly received backlash from netizens–including at least one veterinarian–who accused her of animal abuse.
Curley G has since responded to the backlash. She said that, like her, the dog is afraid of crowds and usually moves very quickly rather than freezing in place while on a leash.
He usually runs away quickly! Don’t get fooled by his innocent appearance.
— Curley G’s Weibo comment
