A Chinese video-streaming site has provoked uproar by blurring out the ears of male actors who wear jewellery.

The altered images of actors from at least two shows have drawn ridicule after they attracted around half-a-billion views online.

Social media users mocked the idea that it was shocking or offensive for a man to wear earrings.

"This is gender stereotyping," one commented.

Another asked if a woman with short hair would have to have her whole head blurred.

"How about banning all those female stars who look genderless...?" said blogger Chen Sanyi.