China has little tolerance for stars with a history of drug use, and Hong Kong singer William So learned that the hard way.

The 57-year-old’s Wenzhou concert, originally scheduled for October 6, was abruptly cancelled this week despite being sold out.

The move came after a netizen reported his past drug offence to authorities, sparking backlash online.

In 2002, the star was arrested at a Taipei pub for drug possession. Tests confirmed Ecstasy use, and he was sentenced to compulsory rehabilitation, serving 11 days before his release.

Following the report, ticketing platform Damai removed the listing, and the organiser confirmed the cancellation.

China’s state media People’s Daily Online weighed in this week, calling the cancellation “necessary” and urging accountability from the approval authorities.

The commentary stressed that public figures must uphold legal and moral standards, questioning how the concert was approved when even ordinary netizens could raise red flags.

The article also noted that William had performed in several other cities in recent years, warning that such lapses have undermined the credibility of responsible authorities.

It reiterated that drugs are a “social scourge” and that artistes with drug histories should not return to the stage or mainstream platforms.

The commentary ended with a warning: some entertainers with drug records are attempting comebacks, which it called a challenge to society’s moral bottom line.

It called on businesses to consider artistes’ legal and moral conduct before collaboration, rather than pursuing profits alone; and urged approval authorities to strengthen reviews, enforce strict standards, and fulfill their social responsibility.

Photos: William So/Facebook