China's most famous stand-up comedian, Guo Degang, came under fire this August when he labeled one of his apprentices a "national hero" for beating up Beijing Television (BTV) reporter Zhou Wenfu.

Zhou was repeatedly punched while attempting to interview the cross-talk star's family. He was trying to verify reports that Guo had illegally extended his property onto a public green space.

Instead of apologizing to Zhou, Guo published a blog post saying Zhou deserved to be beaten up for entering his home without permission, despite footage showing Zhou and his colleagues had knocked at the door and identified themselves as BTV reporters.

The blog post attracted more than 827,000 hits and triggered widespread criticism, even from Guo's fans.

The apprentice, Li Guoyong, was detained by Beijing police for a week and fined 200 yuan (around US$30) for assault and battery.

Zhou, who was slightly injured in the assault, had demanded compensation of 50,000 yuan (US$7,380).

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