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Yating Yang

Widespread rumours claiming that former K-pop idol Kris Wu had died in prison after failing to meet gang demands have rocked mainland social media.
Chinese-Canadian actor and singer Wu, who debuted in 2012 as a member of EXO before launching a solo career in China as a singer, artist, actor and fashion ambassador, saw his career collapse in 2021 after he was charged with sex crimes involving minors.
In 2023, a Beijing court sentenced him to 13 years in prison followed by deportation. His appeal was rejected.
In the wake of the scandal, a slew of domestic and international brands severed their ties with him.

Recently, while serving a prison sentence for sex crimes, he became the subject of widespread online rumours alleging he had died.
The speculation was fuelled by unverified posts and anonymous messages circulating across multiple mainland social media platforms and forums.
One purported prison inmate claimed that guards had been “whispering strangely a few days ago” and shockingly alleged that Wu had been “killed after failing to meet demands” from gang members inside the prison.

Other versions suggested Wu had died from “long-term refusal to eat”, leading to physical weakness and eventual death.
Some posts even alleged that he had been silenced for “knowing too much” about another famous Chinese star’s controversial death, while others claimed he had been a victim of sexual assault.
It is not the first time Wu has been declared “dead” online.
Similar rumours surfaced in April, claiming he had died during a prison fight, though no official confirmation ever followed.
As of now, the Chaoyang District Public Security Bureau in Beijing, which has jurisdiction over Wu’s case, has not responded to the rumours.
According to China’s Public Security Administrative Punishment Law, people found guilty of spreading false rumours can be detained for five to 10 days and fined up to 500 yuan (US$70).

In less serious cases, the penalty can be detention for up to five days or a fine of less than 500 yuan.
Online observers have expressed growing frustration over the repeated circulation of false reports.
One person said: “This rumour is getting more absurd day by day.”
Another added: “One minute they say he bit his tongue and died, the next that he injected himself to death. It is all nonsense.
“Prisons are highly regulated. How could something like this happen so easily? We should focus more on the legal process and less on these outrageous rumours.”


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Rumours about prison death of ex-rapper and rapist Kris Wu shock China social media

Unconfirmed rumours that former Chinese-Canadian rapper Kris Wu, who was jailed for sex crimes, has died in prison have swept mainland social media. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@kriswuWeibo

Kris Wu performs on stage in 2020. He was charged with sex crimes in 2021. Photo: Getty Images

Wu, centre, appears at a public event in Shanghai in June, 2016. He was jailed for 13 years by a Beijing court in 2023 and will be deported after completing his sentence. Photo: Getty Images

Wu attends a promotional event in Shanghai in May 2021, not long before he was jailed. Photo: Getty Images

China girl gains nationwide sympathy after scavenging for food in the cold wearing slippers

A little girl in China has captured national attention after a video emerged showing her scavenging for food in the cold wearing slippers. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

A passer-by helps little Yueyue blow her runny nose with a tissue as she sits on the street. Photo: Douyin

A viral online video of Yueyue scavenging for food wearing slippers and no socks has broken hearts across China. Photo: Douyin

A Good Samaritan tries to brighten the youngster’s mood by helping her do a somersault. Photo: Douyin

China 3-legged puppy, destined to be put down, becomes effective SWAT police dog

A puppy born with three legs that was recommended for euthanasia by veterinarians has become a specialist police dog in China. Photo: SCMP composite/CCTV

Barton, the Belgian Malinois, as a puppy. He was born with a congenital defect in his left leg. Photo: Weibo

Barton confounded the veterinarians who recommended he be put down by passing the examination to become a police dog. Photo: Weibo

Barton, with his handler Li Xiaodong. The pair have formed a strong emotional bond. Photo: Weibo

Li, who also has leg problems, with his “comrade” Barton at an official event. Photo: Weibo

China food vendor gains fame for resembling Japan animator and offering free meals to needy

A wonton shop owner in China has gained fame for his resemblance to renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, as he generously provides free meals to those in need. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote/AFP

Taiwan singer Richie Ren, above, popped into the wonton shop and showered praise on its owner. Photo: QQ.com

Former railway worker Yin Zhenggen cooks up a storm at his shop which has gone viral. Photo: QQ.com

Bowls of wontons lined up for hungry visitors to Yin’s shop, which is situated on the aptly named Karma Lane. Photo: QQ.com

Safety first: Not only does Yin care for the needy, his shop also makes sure customers will be safe in the event of an emergency. Photo: QQ.com

Eats 50 rats: Chinese woman transforms after losing 14kg in 35-day survival contest

A 25-year-old woman from China took part in a 35-day wilderness survival challenge, during which she ate a total of 50 rats. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Fat burner: Zhao Tiezhu says her diet in the wilderness saw the pounds drop off. Photo: Sina

Zhao uses her creativity to start a fire. She lasted 35 days in the wild on an island. Photo: Sina

Zhao has a well-earned rest and a drink as she sits on some rocks while her food cooks. Photo: Sina

The 25-year-old tucks into a “quite tasty” rat which she caught, skinned and roasted herself. Photo: Sina

Talented China brothers gain 2 million fans by imitating boy band BigBang with humble charm

Five brothers in rural China have gained two million followers in a month by imitating the South Korean boy band BigBang. Photo: SCMP composite/X.com@YG JAPAN OFFICIAL/RedNote

Bengshan Kalaka perform in the street. The self-taught siblings have been an instant online hit. Photo: Baidu

We are family: The brothers pictured in their younger days with their mother and father. Photo: Baidu

Bengshan Kalaka poses with some friends. When they finish performing online, they head out to help their mother with her farm work. Photo: Baidu

Fans film the band as they perform in public. The fivesome have even attracted followers from Korea. Photo: Baidu

News

People & Culture

China Personalities

From being killed by prison gang over unmet demands to being ‘silenced’ for ‘knowing too much’, unconfirmed speculation persists


From being killed by prison gang over unmet demands to being ‘silenced’ for ‘knowing too much’, unconfirmed speculation persists.


Crime in China

Rumours about prison death of ex-rapper and rapist Kris Wu shock China social media

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From being killed by prison gang over unmet demands to being ‘silenced’ for ‘knowing too much’, unconfirmed speculation persists

From being killed by prison gang over unmet demands to being ‘silenced’ for ‘knowing too much’, unconfirmed speculation persists