An esports host in China has gone viral after responding to criticism over her short skirt outfit by turning up to a broadcast fully covered in black clothing and face paint.

The caster, known as Zhazha, faced backlash from some viewers who took issue with her wearing a short skirt during a recent Naraka: Bladepoint broadcast.

Critics accused her of dressing in a way to attract attention from male viewers, while others speculated that the broadcaster had asked her to dress as such to increase viewership.

Zhazha responded by appearing alongside her male co-hosts dressed head to toe in a black outfit that covered her entire body.

Esports host goes viral for unique outfit

According to a translated statement shared on Weibo, Zhazha said her outfit choices were entirely her own and that she had not been pressured by organizers, adding that her later all-black appearance was an “extreme” response meant as satire.

“No one has ever arranged for me to wear a short skirt. As a commentator, my outfits have always been chosen by myself.”

She also pushed back on broader accusations aimed at female casters, adding: “No one has ever forced me to wear inappropriate clothing on official broadcasts to appear in public. The reason I chose a short skirt was to present a better on-camera look for viewers.”

Bilibili

Explaining the decision behind her shadowy ensemble, she said: “I have never opposed so-called clothing freedom or the idea of women dressing more revealingly. The outfit I wore on today’s broadcast was an extreme choice meant as a form of satire in response to those comments.”

Zhazha has since urged viewers not to take clips out of context or escalate the situation further. “I hope everyone can look at this rationally. Please don’t take things out of context or stir up unnecessary controversy,” she explained.

“I also hope comments remain reasonable. I am just a regular staff member who wants to focus on commentary and do my job well. Thank you all for your understanding.”