Chinese authorities have officially denied rumors claiming former EXO member Kris Wu died in prison, following a wave of unverified posts that circulated widely on social media. Wu, who is serving a 13-year sentence for sexual assault and group indecency, became the target of a series of sensational—and ultimately baseless—claims about his fate behind bars.
The rumors spread rapidly after an anonymous user on Weibo claimed to be imprisoned in the same facility and alleged that Wu "died after being brutally beaten for refusing sexual demands 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 escalated when digitally manipulated images began circulating online. The photos showed a man resembling Kris Wu in prison attire, appearing to be undergoing interrogation. Authorities later confirmed the images were fabricated, created by altering another person's face to mimic the celebrity.
Police Call Reports 'Fake News'
With speculation intensifying, Jiangsu provincial police issued a rare public statement to refute the claims. In a Weibo post, officials labeled the allegations "fake news" and warned that "spreading unverified information could result in legal consequences."
Their unusually direct response highlights the scale of the misinformation and the level of public attention the case continues to draw.
"The rumors of Kris's death have been raised three times during his imprisonment. The police have also refuted these rumors, " Chinese media stated in a report by The Chosun.
Kris Wu's Legal Case and Sentencing
Kris Wu, born in Guangzhou and later naturalized as a Canadian citizen, 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 intoxicated women at his home between November and December 2020. Additional claims accused him of engaging in lewd acts with multiple women in July 2018.
In November 2022, the Beijing 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 group indecency. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding his current prison location or living conditions.
Rumors Persist, but Officials Say He Remains 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.
