Veteran actor Tao Jixin (陶吉新) has been caught out trying to get sex by offering a part to a young actress.

Screen grabs of the text messages he sent to the unknown actress showed that after his “casting couch” invitation was turned down he turned furious, complaining, “I’m not important.”

He then texted that he planned to give her the No. 3 role but “you didn’t treat me properly. Forget about it … Whatever.”

His phone line was busy as of press time and emails to his account were not replied to.

Tian Jinshuang (田金双), a famous entertainment commentator, said this is just the tip of the iceberg in showbiz, where sleeping for parts is the norm.

The following is the translation of the exposed text messages:

Tao Jixin: Room 212, Jiefang Road Huochecheng Branch of Motel 168. Come here and let’s have a talk? Brother Tao. (10:50pm, July 26)

Tao Jixin: You coming? Reply.

Actress: Sorry, I’m busy here.

Tao Jixin: Ok. That means I’m not important.

Actress: No. It’s too late. You should rest. (11:15pm)

Tao Jixin: I had planned to give you the No. 3 role. You’re not that naive in this industry anymore and I have to be careful. It took me quite an effort to change my mind but you’re not treating me properly. Forget about it. You go enjoy yourself.

Actress: I’m not like what you said. I’m just a small actress. (11:46pm)

Tao Jixin: Whatever.