Chinese actress Meng Zi Yi has revealed that early in her career, she lost a role not due to lack of skill or popularity, but because she was deemed "too pretty."

Meng, who made her acting debut in the 2016 drama "God of War: Zhao Yun," shared the experience during a recent appearance on the talk show "Ifeng Talk."

The now well-established actress said the rejection left her questioning the industry's standards.

"I am pretty, but you can say I am not suitable for the role, or that I can't carry it at this stage, or that you want someone more popular," Meng said.

"I'll accept it! But saying I can't act because I am too pretty? That made me question — is it wrong to be beautiful? Being beautiful shouldn't be a sin!"

Meng rose to fame in 2017 for her portrayal of Mu Nianci in The Legend of the Condor Heroes and has since starred in various genres, including melodrama and historical fantasy.

She was last seen in the 2025 period drama Love in Pavilion.

However, in the wake of Meng's comments, many fans and industry peers issued an outpouring of support online, with several attributing casting as the latest symptom of aging stereotypes that plague film and TV.

"The industry should be able to separate appearance from performance," one commenter wrote on Weibo. "Talent comes in many forms — and beauty shouldn't be a burden."

Neither the casting director nor the production company involved in the rejection has been publicly identified.

Meng's remarks come amid ongoing conversations in China's entertainment industry about the challenges faced by actresses, particularly those whose physical appearance influences how they are cast or perceived.