China has caused controversy after earrings on male actors are blurred out on several television shows.
Large blobs have appeared on the ears of actors and stars in soap operas and variety shows on online video platform iQiyi.
The country’s top media regulator has not issued a statement, despite the issue trending on China’s top social media site Weibo.
It comes amid a crackdown on hip hop content banning artists from programmes.
The blurred earrings were noticed by a popular blogger who brought the issue to the attention of their followers.
It prompted many people to complain about the alleged censorship.
One user wrote: “hahaha, what’s next. Female artists to wear skirts to their knees!”
Another said: “I am sick. Sexual discrimination!”
Another added: “I think foreigners will laugh.”
However one person agreed with the move, saying: “I support this. I always feel that when boys wear studs, it’s very strange.”
Last year, a Chinese television channel blurred out the rainbow flag during a broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest.
And in 2016, the authorities banned depictions of gay people on television.
