Controversial self-media account returns Tencent’s funding after plagiarism outcry

Chaping (差评), literally Bad Reviews, a WeChat self-media account that’s been accused of plagiarism, announced today it is going to return the funding it recently received from Tencent (in Chinese). The two companies have reached a consensus on the matter and going to proceed with the process, local media is reporting.

“Given the recent debates surround Chaping, the team has made an in-depth self-examination and introspection. We believe that it’s inappropriate to receive investment from Tencent before straightening out our copyright practices. Chaping will continue our pursuit for independent development. Learning from the past, we will try to take greater responsibilities in copyright and original content protection,” according to a company statement.

The announcement comes days after the Hangzhou-based media outlet announced that it has received RMB 30 million ($4.7 million) investment from investors that include Tencent Topic Fund, a fund for supporting online content creators, Yunqi Partners and Zhonghuan Venture.

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