Chinese authorities have officially denied rumors that former EXO member Kris Wu has died in prison, following a wave of unverified posts that have circulated widely on social media. Wu, who is serving a 13-year sentence for gang sexual assault and indecent exposure, became the target of a series of sensational – and ultimately unfounded – claims about his fate behind bars.
Rumors spread quickly after an anonymous user on Weibo claimed to be imprisoned in the same facility and claimed that Wu “died after being brutally beaten for refusing sexual requests from a prison gang leader.” Other posts suggested he had suffered fatal complications after going on a hunger strike, All KPop News reported.
Fabricated photos add fuel to the fire
The situation worsened when digitally manipulated images began circulating online. The photos showed a man resembling Kris Wu in prison clothing, appearing to be undergoing interrogation. Authorities later confirmed that the images were fabricated, created by altering another person’s face to imitate the celebrity.
Police denounce “fake news”
As speculation intensified, Jiangsu provincial police issued a rare public statement to refute the claims. In a post on Weibo, officials labeled the allegations “fake news” and warned that “spreading unverified information could result in legal consequences.”
Their unusually direct response highlights the extent of the misinformation and the level of public attention the case continues to attract.
“Rumors of Kris’ death were spread three times during his imprisonment. The police also denied these rumors,” Chinese media said in a report by The Chosun.
Kris Wu legal case and sentence
Kris Wu, born in Guangzhou and later a naturalized Canadian, rose to fame as a member of EXO between 2012 and 2014 before launching a solo career in China. His downfall began after allegations emerged that he had repeatedly sexually assaulted drunken women in his home between November and December 2020. Further allegations accused him of committing lewd acts with multiple women in July 2018.
In November 2022, Beijing’s Chaoyang District People’s Court sentenced him to 13 years in prison: 11 years and 6 months for sexual assault, plus 1 year and 10 months for gang indecency. Authorities have not revealed details regarding his current location in prison or his living conditions.
Rumors persist, but officials say he is alive
Despite online speculation, officials have made it clear that Kris Wu is alive and serving his sentence. Their firm rebuttal aims to quell misinformation and remind the public of the legal risks associated with spreading unverified claims.
