Kris Wu Death Hoax? Chinese Authorities Issue Rare Denial of Viral Rumor as ‘Fake News’

Chinese authorities have firmly refuted widespread rumors regarding the alleged death of former EXO member Kris Wu in prison. These claims surged across social media platforms, gaining significant traction despite lacking any credible verification. Currently, Wu is serving a 13-year sentence stemming from convictions for sexual assault and group indecency.

The initial wave of rumors originated from an anonymous user on Weibo, who claimed to have been incarcerated in the same facility as Wu. This individual alleged that Wu “died after being brutally beaten for refusing sexual advances from a gang leader within the prison.”Additional unsubstantiated reports hinted that he may have succumbed to complications from a hunger strike, as reported by All KPop News.

Fabricated Visuals Amplify Falsehoods

The misinformation narrative intensified with the emergence of digitally altered photographs. These images depicted a man resembling Kris Wu in prison clothing, allegedly undergoing interrogation. Authorities intervened, confirming that these visuals were manipulated and falsely represented another individual’s likeness to appear as Wu.

Authorities Address Misinformation Head-On

In a c0mment via Weibo, officials denounced the circulating rumors as “fake news”and cautioned that disseminating unverified claims could lead to legal repercussions. This decisiveness underscores the extensive public attention surrounding Wu’s situation and the prevalence of misinformation in the digital age.

“Rumors regarding Kris’s death have emerged three times during his incarceration. The police have consistently debunked these falsehoods, ”noted Chinese media outlets, as cited in a report by The Chosun.

Background on Kris Wu’s Legal Issues

Kris Wu, originally from Guangzhou and later a Canadian citizen, gained fame as a member of EXO from 2012 to 2014 before embarking on a solo music career in China. His legal troubles commenced in 2020, following accusations of sexually assaulting intoxicated women at his residence and engaging in inappropriate conduct with multiple individuals in July 2018.

In November 2022, Wu received a 13-year prison sentence from the Beijing Chaoyang District People’s Court—11 years and 6 months for sexual assault, coupled with 1 year and 10 months for group indecency. As of now, authorities have not revealed information about Wu’s specific prison location or his living conditions within the facility.

Countering Misinformation: Official Confirmation of His Status

While speculation runs rife on online platforms, officials have reaffirmed that Kris Wu remains alive and is currently serving his prison sentence. This strong rebuttal aims to mitigate the spread of misinformation while reminding the public of the potential legal consequences of sharing unverified information.

Source&Images