Arzen Rose Dulzura

Rumors of Kris Wu’s death in prison debunked by Chinese authorities

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<div><em>Content Warning: This article mentions rape and sexual assault.  </em></div><p>Former pop star Kris Wu, who is serving a 13-year prison term in China for charges of rape, became the subject of widespread speculation after unverified claims circulated online alleging that he had died in custody. The rumors spread quickly on Chinese social media and later on international media, prompting a public response from local authorities. </p><p>Reports from international media outlets said that there has been a recent post on Weibo, the leading social media platform in China, claiming that Kris has died in prison. A Weibo user, who claims to be imprisoned in the same facility as Kris, wrote about his supposed death. The user wrote that prison guards were allegedly “whispering strangely a few days ago” and said that Kris had “been killed after failing to meet the demands” of local gang members. Other posts made additional unverified claims, including allegations that Kris’s health had deteriorated due to a hunger strike. </p><p>However, the claims were not supported by evidence but nonetheless gained traction online. </p><p>Another photo also circulated showing a man in a blue prison uniform undergoing what appeared to be an interrogation. Netizens claimed it was Kris, due to his resemblance to the man. The image climbed to the top of Weibo’s real-time search rankings before authorities intervened. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2021/8/3/fresh-scoops/kris-wu-detained-in-china-following-rape-allegatio-194993"><strong><u>READ: Kris Wu detained in China following rape allegations</u></strong></a></div><div><strong></strong><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17631910714131763191068190.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>As the rumors intensified, Jiangsu Police issued clarification on their official Weibo account. They said all rumors related to Kris Wu’s death are totally false. Authorities also stated: “The photo circulating online was created by replacing the face of an original inmate in a past news report with Kris’s face,” identifying it as a fabricated image.  </p><p>With the rumors circulating, authorities urged netizens to stop spreading unverified information, and that legal action may be taken against users making false claims.  </p><p>This is not the first time that Kris has been the target of rumors. In March, speculation surfaced online after four Canadian nationals were executed in China, leading some users to mistakenly suggest Kris, who also holds Canadian citizenship, might be among them. Officials later confirmed that the individuals involved had been convicted of drug trafficking and had no connection to Kris. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/25/22/pop-star-kris-wu-jailed-for-rape-chinese-court"><strong><u>READ: Pop star Kris Wu jailed for rape: Chinese court</u></strong></a></div><p>Kris was convicted of sexual assault involving minors. He was arrested in 2021 and sentenced by a Beijing court in 2022. According to the court, Kris is sentenced to &quot;11 years and six months of imprisonment for rape” and “also sentenced to imprisonment of one year and ten months for the crime of gathering people to commit adultery&quot;. His 13-year prison sentence was finalized in 2023. </p><p>Kris debuted with EXO in 2012 and left the group in 2014 after filing a lawsuit to end his contract with SM Entertainment. He later pursued a career as an actor and singer in China. In 2021, multiple individuals, including a former girl group member, accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to his eventual conviction. </p><p>After completing his prison term, he is expected to be deported to Canada.</p>

<p>Chinese authorities have debunked online rumors claiming Kris Wu, serving a 13-year prison sentence, had died in custody. Officials clarified that circulating photos were digitally altered.</p>

Chinese authorities have debunked online rumors claiming Kris Wu, serving a 13-year prison sentence, had died in custody. Officials clarified that circulating photos were digitally altered.