The mysterious death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong, also known as Alan Yu, has escalated into a nationwide controversy, igniting protests, stock market losses, and a wave of online investigations challenging the official narrative that he died by suicide. The 37-year-old actor was reported to have fallen from a residential building in Beijing on September 10, 2025, but mounting evidence and public skepticism now point to the possibility of abuse and foul play.
Beijing police, Yu's management company Tianyu Media, and his mother confirmed his death, with initial statements attributing it to intoxication. Yet, that explanation has done little to quell anger across Chinese social media platforms. Thousands have called the Chaoyang Police hotline demanding a full inquiry, while online forums have transformed into virtual investigative networks. Authorities' refusal to reopen the case has only intensified public outrage.
The uproar has also triggered economic fallout. Tianyu Media and its parent company Mango Super Media-known commercially as Mango TV-have faced sharp market losses following the scandal. According to Sina Finance and The Vision Times, Mango's stock plunged 6.68% on October 9 and another 5.12% on October 10, erasing roughly ¥7.67 billion RMB (about $1 billion) in market value within two days.
Amid the financial turmoil, videos and photographs circulating online have become central to the public's suspicions. YouTuber Stephanie Soo shared widely viewed clips showing Yu at an airport shortly before his death. In one, the actor appears to have a bruise near his eye concealed by makeup. When his manager gestures, Yu visibly flinches-a reaction many fans interpreted as fear.
Other photos from August 2025 show similar marks around Yu's eyes, deepening speculation of physical abuse. In another viral video taken at a work event, Yu's smile fades instantly after glancing over his shoulder, leading netizens to describe him as "terrified" and "under pressure."
The controversy escalated after an actress reportedly posted live photos from a dinner party on the night of Yu's death. In one recording analyzed by users, a male voice is heard saying, "He's still resisting," followed by a slapping sound. Though unverified, the clip has fueled accusations that Yu may have been assaulted before his fall. Reports cited by Stephanie Soo claim Yu attended the dinner at a friend's apartment and was found dead the next morning. He did not own the property, and those present have yet to speak publicly.
As details remain murky, Yu's death has become emblematic of a deeper public distrust toward China's entertainment industry. Fans have accused major studios of exploiting and silencing artists, with some pointing to a grim pattern: at least nine performers linked to Tianyu Media have died or vanished under suspicious circumstances.
