Rapper Namewee Arrested in Connection to Influencer's Mysterious Death
Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee has been remanded in custody in connection with the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found unresponsive in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub two weeks ago.
According to police, Namewee, 42, was the last person seen with 31-year-old Iris Hsieh. She was reportedly in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video Namewee agreed to direct. Following Hsieh’s death, authorities have reclassified the incident from a sudden death to murder.
Despite having previously denied charges of illegal drug use and possession for which he was granted bail, Namewee turned himself in to the police to aid in the investigation as the case continues to unfold. His attorney confirmed he is held in custody for six days.
Key Developments in the Ongoing Investigation
The investigation has taken several unexpected turns since reports first emerged about Hsieh’s death. On October 22, Namewee called emergency services upon discovering Hsieh unresponsive; police later found nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in his hotel room.
While Namewee denies drug use, a police report indicated he tested positive for multiple illicit substances, including amphetamines and THC. He had previously pleaded not guilty to drug charges before the case shifted focus to the allegations surrounding Hsieh's death.
Amidst media scrutiny, Namewee has maintained his innocence, alleging that local press outlets are sensationalizing the matter.
A Brief Overview of Namewee
Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, has long been a contentious figure in Malaysian music due to his provocative content that often critiques the government. Rising to fame with a controversial remake of the national anthem in 2007, he has continued generating buzz with his satirical and boundary-breaking music.
His online presence is considerable, boasting millions of followers across platforms, and he has collaborated with various notable artists in the Mandarin-speaking music industry.
About Iris Hsieh
In contrast to Namewee’s notoriety, Iris Hsieh, 31, gained popularity as a social media influencer with a strong presence on platforms like Instagram and OnlyFans, where she shared lifestyle content. Known as the 'nurse goddess', she built a following based on her revealing photos and charisma yet lacked the widespread recognition of her male counterpart.
Hsieh’s untimely death has cast a shadow over her burgeoning career, leaving her family to navigate the legal proceedings in Malaysia from afar.
