Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has finally broken her silence after 3 months and released an official statement apologizing for tax evasion.

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Fans and international news outlets have been speculating about Fan Bingbing's mysterious disappearance for the past 3 months as the top star had been completely missing from the public eye since July 1. Many alleged she was being held under arrest by the Chinese government for illegal film contracts and tax evasion, and it seems the rumors about tax evasion are true. However, fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as many have expressed worry for her.

International media outlets like the New York Times and the BBC are reporting the A-list Chinese actress faces a fine of $70 million USD on top of a bill of $37 million USD for back taxes. If Fan Bingbing pays the $107 million in full, she'll reportedly avoid criminal prosecution as it's her first offense. 

In her first public statement since she went silent on Chinese social media on July 23, Fan Bingbing apologized for evading taxes and accepted full responsibility. Her full statement is as follows:

"Recently I have been enduring an unprecedented amount of pain, undergoing deep self-reflection and introspection. I am deeply ashamed and feel guilty for what I have done, and I offer my sincere apologies to everyone.

For a long period of time, I did not uphold my responsibilities of safeguarding the interests of my country and society against my personal gain. I feel ashamed that I committed tax evasion in the film 'Unbreakable Spirit' and on other projects by taking advantage of 'yin yang contracts.' Throughout these days of cooperation with the taxation authorities' investigation into my accounts, as well as those of my company, I have come to realize that, as a public figure, I should have observed the law, setting a good example for society and the entertainment industry. I shouldn't have lost the ability to control myself in the face of economic interests, allowing myself to break the law. Here I sincerely apologize to society, my friends who care about me, the public and the taxation authorities.

I completely accept the penalties given by the taxation authorities after their thorough investigation. I totally accepted all of them, and will raise funds to pay my taxes and penalties regardless of any obstacles.
I have been an ardent art lover since I was a child, and I'm fortunate to have been a part of the rise of the film and television industries. Thanks to guidance from veterans as well as the love of the audience, combined with my own hard work, I have achieved some success in my career. As an actor, I take pride in showcasing our country's culture on the global stage, and I do my best to be in the forefront of this. I owe my success to the support of my country and the people. Without the great policies of the [Communist] Party and the state, without the love of the people, there would have been no Fan Bingbing.

Today I'm facing enormous fears and worries over the mistakes I have made. I failed my country which nurtured me; I failed the society which trusted me; I failed the fans who loved me. I offer my sincere apology here once again! I beg for everyone's forgiveness!

After this incident, I believe that I will uphold the law and respect official orders, while upholding my responsibilities. While I will continue to produce great work for everyone, I will monitor my company's management carefully to ensure that my company abides by the law, building it into a great, sophisticated company with high integrity, in order to spread positive values to society!

Again, I apologize to society and my adoring fans, as well as to my friends and family who care so much for me. I sincerely say, I am sorry!

Fan Bingbing
October 3 2018"