19th November 2025 – (Beijing) Jet Li, 62, has reappeared at public events looking markedly healthier and more energetic, a striking contrast to images from his hospital stay in August when he underwent surgery and appeared frail. His refreshed appearance has fuelled a swirl of online conspiracy theories ranging from heart transplants using a deceased Shaolin monk’s organ and body doubles to technologically engineered clones. Despite Li repeatedly stating that these claims are baseless, the speculation has persisted.
In an attempt to quell talk of transplant surgery, Li filmed himself bare-chested to show there were no scars on his chest. The gesture, however, prompted fresh scrutiny from sceptics, with some enlarging video frames to allege an artificial-looking skin texture on his arm, reviving accusations of a stand-in or high-tech replication.
Chinese entertainment commentator Song Zude reignited the controversy by asserting on social media that the recently seen Li differs significantly from his past self in demeanour, voice and accent. He urged authorities to verify the individual’s identity, a call that spread rapidly online and spurred users to compare archive footage with recent clips in search of inconsistencies.
Li has responded with evident frustration, urging the public to think critically and avoid being swayed by rumour. He reiterated that his health is stable and that there are no surgical marks on his body, appealing to fans not to be misled by internet chatter. Online reaction remains split: some ridicule the notion of a miraculous recovery via heart transplant, pointing to the medical risks and rejection issues, while others argue aesthetic treatments or hair colouring are far more plausible explanations. A separate camp contends that even with cosmetic enhancements, vitality and energy are harder to fake, insisting recent videos raise legitimate questions.
