Celebrity bloggers - confession and contrition(3)

In January, 2013, Xue induced a Shanghai company to invest 2 million yuan (325,000 U.S. dollars) in Dong's product and himself became a shareholder in Dong's company. Today Dong's product has estimated annual sales in the region of 1.2 million yuan and his followers have soared to over 300,000.

CONFESSION & APOLOGY

Dong said his act of fabricating information for personal benefit caused panic, harmed others and ultimately himself.

"I sincerely apologize to the public. I know it's too late but I hope it can make some recompense for the bad effect," said Dong, eyes downcast.

"Many things could have been avoided, such as the 'mercury case', it affected the economy and people's lives in Zhoushan. It might lead to insecurity and distrust of the government...I apologize to the fishermen in Zhoushan," he said.

Xue also repeatedly said "everyone should stick to his/her bottom line."

"As an influential online voice, I irresponsibly retweeted posts without verifying them, and that is totally wrong," Xue said.

Referring to China's latest move to criminalize online rumors spreading,Xue said "freedom of speech cannot override the law". His sober demeanor was very different from the arrogance of a month ago when he was taken into detention.

Xue warned other big Vs to stay alert and remember their social responsibility.

"If I have an opportunity to use Weibo again, I will observe strict professional ethics, and offer genuine, comprehensive and objective information to the public," said Dong, who was shackled and in detention uniform.

"Freedom and dignity is more important than vanity and wealth," Dong said.