Guo Meimei, a Chinese social media celebrity, has captured public attention again. This time, instead of by showing off her luxury Lamborghini car, her name appears on the trending topics of Weibo because of an illegal casino gambling she ran.

On Thursday, Guo's case was opened at the Dongcheng District People's District Court in Beijing at 9 a.m. Guo was convicted of operating an illegal gambling outlet in a private apartment in Beijing. The court sentenced her to five years in prison and a fine of 50,000 RMB ($7,800). Her associate, Zhao Xiaolai, received two-year sentence and a fine of 20,000 RMB ($3,125).

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According to Nandu News, Guo was not satisfied with the result of the seven-hour court proceeding. She emphasized many times to the court that she simply participated in the gambling, rather than operated it.

"I know I have made mistakes. I am very regretful now for my unawareness of crime. I did not know that it is illegal to gamble with friends. I promise that I would never make such mistakes any more," Guo told the court.

Guo gained notoriety in 2011 for showcasing her expensive handbags and luxury cars in online posts. Lots of Weibo users have criticized her extravagant lifestyle.

Moreover, she claims to be the manager of a company affiliated with the Red Cross, a national donation organization in China. Because of Guo's behavior, the Red Cross Society of China has come under a barrage of negative publicity.

Afraid that her notoriety might affect the result, Guo appealed the court not to ve influenced by her critics.

"I hope the court can look at my behavior justly, rather than being influenced by the online caustic criticism of me." Guo said to the court.

TagsGuo Meimei, Red Cross Society of China, China Illegal Gambling