Namewee Faces Investigation Following Influencer's Mysterious Death

Thu Nov 06 2025 06:21:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Malaysian rapper Namewee has been detained as authorities investigate the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, raising questions over drug use and potential wrongdoing.

Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee, real name Wee Meng Chee, has been remanded in custody following the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. The police have classified her death as a murder after authorities found evidence of drug use in Namewee's hotel room. The case has captivated public attention as Namewee insists on his innocence and claims he will cooperate fully with the investigation.

Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee has been remanded in custody in connection with the death of a Taiwanese influencer found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub two weeks ago.

Police say Namewee, 42, was the last person seen with 31-year-old Iris Hsieh, according to reports. She was in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video Namewee had agreed to direct, her social media manager told the BBC.

Namewee, who denies charges of illegal drug use and possession for which he was granted bail, is now back in custody to assist in the investigation, police said after reclassifying her death as murder.

He turned himself in early on Wednesday, his lawyer said, and has been put on remand for six days.

'I won't run away'

The case has gone through many twists in the last few days. According to Malaysian media reports, Namewee contacted emergency services after he found Hsieh unresponsive in the bathroom.

Police arrested Namewee that same day, after they found nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room. Despite denying he had used drugs, Namewee tested positive for several illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC.

On Monday, he pleaded not guilty to the drug charges and was released on bail. Namewee has maintained his innocence and accused local media of chasing shadows with their reports on the case.

The singer, known for his satirical and profanity-laced music, has a large following on social media.

Hsieh was previously featured in one of Namewee's music videos. The investigation continues as police await post-mortem and toxicology results to determine the cause of death.

Who is Namewee?

Namewee has long courted controversy with his music and first gained notoriety in 2007 with a remake of Malaysia's national anthem. His work often touches on sensitive social issues, and he has faced legal ramifications for some of his projects.

Who is Iris Hsieh?

Iris Hsieh, known as the nurse goddess by her fans, had a significant following on social media and was popular for her revealing photos. She was also active on platforms like OnlyFans.