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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Why is she smiling?' Former EXO idol Kris Wu's accuser Du Meizhu draws backlash for 'gleeful' tone while recalling sexual assault
Content warning: This article contains discussions of sexual assault that may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised. The name Kris Wu once echoed through stadiums and fan hearts, however, now, when one talks about the former EXO idol, it leaves a bad taste to the mouth. The singer is currently sitting behind bars, serving a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2022 for multiple sexual offenses, including rape. His downfall began in 2021 when Chinese influencer Du Meizhu, then just 17, publicly accused the Chinese-Canadian singer of date-raping her. Her brave revelation sent shockwaves through the C-pop and K-pop communities - and sparked a flood of similar allegations from more than 20 other women, eventually leading to Wu's arrest and conviction. Du Meizhu recalls the incident with Kris Wu Now, years later, Du Meizhu has returned to the public eye, and her latest appearance has ignited a new wave of controversy. In an interview on an online talk show, the now 23-year-old influencer gave a chilling, detailed account of the night she claims changed her life forever. She recounted playing cards with Kris Wu and a group of acquaintances, where alcohol flowed freely. "Kris was very nice about it and even offered to help me drink," she recalled. "He came across as a kind, older guy - very gentlemanly." But as she became more intoxicated, things took a dark turn. Meizhu said Kris' female manager led her to a room to rest. She remembered a man lying beside her, whispering, "Baby, I really like you," before kissing her and walking away. She believes she was later taken to another location - where the alleged assault took place. "When I woke up, we were in bed together. I was dizzy, confused. It had never happened to me before. I wanted to leave, but he held me back," she said Kris tried to calm her down and proposed they become a couple, promising to take responsibility. "I felt like I could only pick the second option," she said, referring to accepting the relationship rather than confronting the trauma. Netizens unhappy with Du Meizhu's confession about Kris Wu However, what was meant to be a vulnerable confession has sparked fierce debate - not over the sexual assault, but her demeanour. Many viewers were taken aback by her tone, calling out her "smiling" and "gleeful" expressions during the segment. "Why is she smiling?" one Weibo user asked bluntly. Another added, "She doesn't come off like the victim. She sounds almost excited." Some even questioned her motives and timing: "Why bring this up again four years later?" It's not the first time Meizhu's credibility has come under fire. Her former boss once accused her of exploiting a male model, calling her "not a good person." Even her former best friend sided with Kris Wu, alleging that Meizhu had once bragged about dating the idol and planned to use the scandal for financial gain. However, there were also many who rallied behind her, slamming the backlash as classic victim-shaming. "So now victims aren't allowed to smile? Do we want them to cry on cue?" one user wrote. Another said, "This reaction just proves how little society understands trauma." As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Kris Wu saga continues to haunt the entertainment world - not just for what happened, but for how the world chooses to respond. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former EXO star Kris Wu to actress Zheng Shuang: Where are China's scandal-hit celebrities now?
When it comes to scandals in the entertainment world, most people tend to focus on Hollywood or, more recently, South Korea's booming industry. However, China has had its fair share of controversy involving celebrities. Being a star in China is a delicate balancing act, as even a single misstep - whether in words or actions - can lead to detention or blacklisting by authorities. In recent years, several celebrities have landed in trouble for violating mainland laws and regulations. Here's a look at some of the most high-profile cases - and where these stars are now. Fan Bingbing Once hailed as China's most influential stars, the actress was even featured on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2017. But in 2018, she disappeared for months amid a major tax evasion scandal and was later fined 880 million yuan (US$124 million) by Chinese authorities. Since then, she has gradually rebuilt her image, launching her beauty brand Fan Beauty in 2019, which gained popularity for its skincare products. In 2023, she made a quiet return to acting in the Hong Kong film Green Night and recently in in June 2025, she shared family photos on social media, giving fans a rare glimpse into her personal life. Kris Wu (Wu Yifan) Once a top idol in Asia, Kris Wu's meteoric rise came crashing down following serious criminal charges. The Canadian-Chinese entertainer, known for his stint with K-pop group EXO and a successful solo career, was convicted in 2021 of raping multiple women - allegedly after lacing their drinks - and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Since the verdict, he has been completely blacklisted in China. His music, films, and variety show appearances have all been pulled, and his online presence erased. He faces deportation after serving his sentence, with additional charges of tax evasion potentially extending his jail time. But Wu's legal troubles didn't end there. As of April 2025, Chinese media reported that he has been charged with tax evasion totaling 300 million RMB (about $42 million USD). He's now being held at the Chaoyang Detention Center in Beijing while awaiting trial. His mother is also reportedly under investigation and may face imprisonment. If convicted, Wu's sentence could be extended under Chinese law, which permits combined sentencing for multiple offenses. Li Yifeng Once a household name in China with 61 million followers on Weibo, Li Yifeng faced a major career setback in 2022 after being detained for soliciting prostitutes. The fallout was immediate: brand deals were terminated, his projects were shelved, and his digital presence in China was erased. Fans who once idolised him publicly distanced themselves, even burning merchandise he had endorsed. After laying low for over a year, the 36-year-old actor slowly resurfaced. In 2023, he was spotted in Chengdu, where a crowd of fans gathered at the airport to greet him. Most recently, in April 2025, he staged a quiet comeback with a concert in Bangkok, marking his first major public appearance since the controversy. Zheng Shuang Once a top star in China's entertainment industry, she saw her career collapse in 2021 after a surrogacy scandal sparked public outrage. She and her former partner were revealed to have hired two surrogate mothers in the U.S., but after their breakup, Zheng was accused of abandoning the unborn children. Audio clips further damaged her image, with Zheng reportedly discussing the difficulty of terminating the pregnancies, which were already over seven months along. The controversy led to her being banned from all broadcast and entertainment activities in China. Major endorsement deals, including with global fashion house Prada, were terminated almost immediately. Since then, Zheng has stayed out of the limelight and is reportedly living in Los Angeles with her two children, focusing on private life and staying away from the industry that once made her a household name. Darren Wang Also known as Wang Talu, Darren Wang rose to fame with the hit film Our Times, becoming a popular star in both Taiwan and mainland China. However, his career took a dramatic turn after he was arrested in February 2025 for allegedly forging documents to evade Taiwan's mandatory military service. During the investigation, authorities uncovered evidence on his phone linking him to a violent incident at Taoyuan International Airport in April 2024. According to reports, Wang became enraged after seeing a vehicle he deemed too "poor" and allegedly ordered a friend to assault the driver, who was seriously injured. He now faces charges of both attempted murder and military evasion. The twin scandals have cast a shadow over his once-promising career. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Time of India
Former EXO member Kris Wu faces new legal trouble in jail: Could his 13-year sentence be extended?
Reader Caution: The following contains sensitive details about serious legal charges, including rape. Discretion is advised. Former EXO member Kris Wu, who is already serving his time in prison, now faces a new legal trouble. On April 27, Chinese media reported that Kris Wu has been charged with tax evasion amounting to 300 million RMB (approximately $42 million USD). According to a Tianjin-based lawyer, Kris Wu's mother is also under investigation and may face prison time. Kris Wu has been transferred to the Chaoyang Detention Center in Beijing as he awaits trial. If convicted, his 13-year sentence could be extended, as China's Criminal Law allows sentences for multiple convictions to be combined after adjusting for time already served. Where is Du Meizhu: Whistleblower missing As Kris Wu faces fresh legal troubles, netizens have also noticed the sudden disappearance of his ex-girlfriend and whistleblower, Du Meizhu. She has been silent on all social media platforms for over two months, sparking concern and speculation. It was the Chinese teen beauty influencer Du Meizhu, who in 2021, accused Kris Wu of luring underage girls by promising them entertainment opportunities. Following the investigation, authorities confirmed that between November and December 2020, he raped three intoxicated women at his residence. In addition, in July 2018, he allegedly organized a "group sex party" involving friends and two women. Given the evidence, Kris Wu was sentenced to 13 years in prison for rape and group sexual misconduct. After serving his sentence, he will be permanently deported from China. In fact, Kris Wu had appealed but it was denied as the court cited the severity of his actions. He was also fined 83.7 million RMB (over $11 million USD) for prior tax evasion and for hiding his personal income. Kris Wu's life in prison Meanwhile, a Chinese outlet reported that Kris Wu is faring relatively well in prison. He has reportedly been assigned the role of "floor leader" and enjoys better treatment than regular inmates. Kris Wu is said to be exempt from cleaning duties and eats meals like steamed buns, napa cabbage, and stir-fried eggs with tomatoes. Reports also suggest he has gained around 9 kilograms during his time behind bars. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
