Malaysian Rapper Namewee Questioned, Then Released in Influencer Death Probe

In November 2025, popular Chinese Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Wee Meng Chee, known as Namewee, was released on police bail after being held for a week to assist in the investigation into the murder of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin.

Hsieh, a 31-year-old influencer with half a million Instagram followers, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur on October 22, 2025. Police initially ruled her death as accidental, but have since reclassified it as murder. Namewee, who had appeared in one of Hsieh's music videos in 2020, was the last person seen with her.

Namewee, who has faced previous charges for drug possession and use, turned himself in to the police last week. His lawyer stated that he must report back to the police on November 26, 2025. The Kuala Lumpur police chief said they are waiting for the autopsy report to determine the cause of Hsieh's death before submitting their investigation results to the attorney-general's chambers.

The case has garnered significant attention, with Namewee known for his provocative songs and films that often challenge political and cultural taboos in Malaysia. The investigation into Hsieh's mysterious death continues, with the authorities seeking to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.