Rumors surrounding the fate of former EXO member Kris Wu surged across Chinese social platforms this week, prompting police to issue a rare public denial after anonymous posts claimed the 35-year-old entertainer had died in prison. Wu, also known as Wu Yifan, has been serving a 13-year sentence in Beijing on rape and related sex-crime convictions, making him one of the most high-profile celebrities incarcerated in China.
The latest wave of speculation began when users circulated an alleged message from a purported former inmate claiming that prison guards had been "whispering strangely" before stating that Wu had been "killed after failing to meet demands" from gang members. Other versions of the story suggested he had died after a hunger strike or had been "silenced" for possessing information tied to another celebrity's controversial death. None of the claims were supported by official sources, yet the rumors spread rapidly across Weibo, forums, and short-video platforms.
As the hoax gained momentum, Jiangsu police intervened by posting a formal rebuttal on Weibo. In the statement, officers said the photo circulating as proof of Wu's alleged death - showing a man in a blue interrogation uniform - was digitally manipulated. Police stated the viral image was "created by replacing the face of an original inmate in a past news report with Kris' face," describing it as a fabricated photo. Officials urged users not to spread unverified content and noted that circulating false information could result in administrative penalties under Chinese law.
Beijing prison authorities and the Chaoyang District Public Security Bureau have issued no reports of an emergency involving Wu. There has been no confirmation from any official channel suggesting that Wu's health or safety has been compromised while in custody.
Online reaction reflected years of polarizing sentiment surrounding Wu's case. Some commenters on Reddit said they felt "relief" that he remains imprisoned, while others remarked that constructing elaborate death hoaxes was "unnecessary." Users also questioned whether the revocation of Wu's Chinese passport had influenced the severity of his punishment, though no public documents support that connection.
Wu's incarceration followed a far-reaching scandal that erupted in 2021, when multiple women accused him of sexual assault, including allegations involving minors. Authorities detained him that year, and the revelations triggered one of China's largest celebrity erasures on record. Weibo removed more than 100 accounts linked to Wu, including his official handles and numerous fan communities, citing rule violations. Chinese streaming platforms subsequently pulled nearly all of his music.
A Beijing court sentenced him in 2023 to 13 years in prison and ordered deportation upon completion of his term. His appeal was later rejected, confirming the original judgment. Despite that, rumors of his death have recurred annually, making this the fourth major hoax since his conviction. Chinese officials maintain that every circulating claim to date - including the latest viral allegations - is fabricated.
