I wasn't exactly a fan of Mushoku Tensei, but you know what I'm even more not a fan of? Overzealous censorship and limiting freedom of expression. When the fifth episode of the anime was meant to go live on the Chinese streaming website bilibili last Sunday it was nowhere to be found, apparently due to a technical failure. What's strange is the previous four episodes have also missing from the site since then. After the rocky reception the show's been getting over there, this technical failure seems a little too convenient.

Mushoku Tensei has come under fire for "violating mainstream values and morals and being inappropriate for underage audiences" in China, with many criticizing bilibili for showing it to viewers without putting it behind an age gate. It's even been getting review bombed on media review website Douban, but its much higher rating on bilibili proves that it does have some fans.

You may not have heard the name Lex Burner before, but with over 8 million followers on bilibili he has a fair amount of clout among the Chinese anime fandom. In a now-removed livestream from earlier this month he called fans of the series "bottom-feeders in the social hierachy" for relating with the perverted protagonist, although an audio clip can still be found on the site. It's believed that the technical failure was caused by his fans mass reporting the series for "low quality content". 

Mushoku Tensei author Rifujin na Magonote reacted to his comment, saying "His words are only his personal opinion, and he is free to hold whatever views he likes. Although I am displeased at how he has insulted other viewers, anime is not just made for successful people, so I hope that those who can enjoy it will enjoy it." 

After hearing just how influential Lex Burner is in China, he went on to say "If that is the kind of online presence he has, that's just the way it is sometimes. Even in Japan, there are plenty of people like him, although they might not have his influence. As far as I am concerned, instead of engaging with him, I think it is more important to ignore him and grow your own communities. Thank you!" Lex Burner, on the other hand, issued an apology for his insulting remarks, insisting they've been taken out of context and he never intended to offend anyone. He's been suspended from the site and disqualified from taking part in the site's creative incentive program, the two performance awards he won last year have been revoked, and he'll be facing legal action for breaking his contract with bilibili.

It's still not clear if bilibili will be reuploading the first five episodes of Mushoku Tensei, but what do you guys think of this situation? Should public figures be held accountable by their employers for posting inflammatory or insulting comments online? Or do you think Lex Burner's punishment was too harsh? Sound off in the comments!