Chinese singer Du Xue Er shocked audiences after she was embroiled in a major drug scandal that ultimately destroyed her career and landed her in prison.
The use, possession and trafficking of illegal substances remain serious criminal offenses in China. Over the years, several celebrities in China’s entertainment industry have fallen into addiction and criminal activity, losing both their careers and public reputations. Du Xue Er has become one of the most talked about cases.
In 2022, a Beijing court officially sentenced the singer to one year in prison and a fine of 10,000 yuan (about $1,400) for purchasing and possessing illegal drugs. According to court documents, Du Xue Er contacted a drug dealer via WeChat and purchased nine packages containing LSD, a powerful hallucinogenic substance, from the United States before arranging for the packages to be sent to China by post.
On January 26, 2021, Tianjin customs officers reportedly intercepted the suspicious package during an airport inspection process. The case was then transferred to Beijing’s anti-smuggling authorities for further investigation.
Unaware that the authorities had already discovered the illegal substances, Du Xue Er then arrived at the delivery address to collect the package herself. The police arrested her on the spot. The investigators stated this approximately 0.13 grams of hallucinogenic drugs were involved in the case.
During the interrogation, the singer allegedly stated that she intended to use the substances “improves memory and stimulates brain activity”. She tearfully insisted that she he didn’t realize that hallucinogenic substances were classified as drugs and stated that she he was not aware that purchasing or possessing them was illegal.
Reports also say so Du Xue Er’s mother fainted from shock after learning that her daughter had been arrested on drug trafficking charges. Authorities reportedly kept the case confidential until the court’s final ruling was announced.
After news of her imprisonment became public, the China Association of Performing Arts permanently banned the singer from appearing in the entertainment industry. Many spectators expressed disbelief at the scandal, while others criticized the singer for ruining her future through involvement in illegal drugs.
At the same time, some fans he expressed regret over his downfall, especially considering his successful career and educational background.
Born in 1991, Du Xue Er was a member of the musical group FulushouFloruitShow. He gained recognition through the program Summer of the Band Season 2 and became famous for the song With what can I hold you.
According to Sina, the singer came from a rich and intellectual family. His grandfather reportedly served as director of the Chinese Press and Publication Bureau, representative to the Chinese National Congress, and executive of the Xinhua News Agency. Du Xue Er herself also holds a master’s degree from the Central Conservatory of Music in China.
After her release from prison, Du Xue Er publicly apologized and announced it had officially left FulushouFloruitShow following his arrest. He also declared it permanent withdrawal from the Chinese entertainment industry.
Sources: K14
