Deaf-Mute Chinese Student Chenyue Defended for Excellence and Kind Nature
A 20-year-old deaf-mute girl from Sichuan province in southwestern China has been defended for her academic excellence and kind nature after facing criticism that her beautiful appearance was due to artificial intelligence (AI).

Chenyue, who has been deaf since she was a toddler, studies at the School of Special Education Art at Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts in Shaanxi province. The university is the only fine arts institution in China that accepts students with disabilities. Chenyue was admitted after excelling in sketching, color theory, Chinese, and interviews.
She has gained popularity on mainland social media, sharing her fashion insights and attracting over 600,000 followers. Despite her online presence, Chenyue has faced scrutiny over her appearance, with some attributing it to AI. However, her supporters have come to her defense, highlighting her academic achievements and kind nature.
Chenyue has addressed the controversy surrounding her appearance, admitting to having cosmetic surgery but insisting that her looks are fundamentally natural. Her story has sparked a wider conversation about beauty standards and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in China.
The support for Chenyue demonstrates a growing appreciation for diversity and inclusivity in Chinese society, as well as a recognition of the talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities.