When officials at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games replaced a 7-year old with crooked teeth who was deemed not pretty enough to appear at the opening ceremonies with a 9-year old lip-syncher, it was not only immoral, it was illegal.
According to BBC, after the national embarrassment and outrage China faced amidst the "smiling angel" scandal, miming was banned in the country. China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued an order on its website that television and live public producers must "choose performers with real singing ability." Apparently pop singers Yin Youcan and Fang Ziyuan didn't get the memo and are facing fines of up to $12,000 (USD) for allegedly miming at a concert.
The firm that put together the 2009 performances is pleading ignorance, while Americans are left to wonder what would come of Britney Spears if we instituted such laws. One can only dream.
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