Murder Investigation Launched in Death of Taiwanese Influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin — Malaysian Rapper Namewee at the Center
Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin’s mysterious death in Kuala Lumpur has been reclassified as murder, with Malaysian rapper Namewee named a person of interest. Here’s everything known so far about the investigation, drug charges, and public reaction surrounding this shocking case.
Key Points
- The death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, initially labeled a sudden death, has been reclassified as murder by Kuala Lumpur police, igniting massive public speculation.
- Malaysian rapper Namewee (Wee Meng Chee), who was reportedly collaborating with Hsieh on a video project, has been named a person of interest but not arrested as of November 4, 2025.
- Authorities have ruled out sexual assault, but drugs were found in the hotel room, leading to separate drug charges against Namewee.
- Hsieh’s manager has accused Namewee of withholding information, while fans question the slow emergency response and possible foul play.
- The high-profile case has sparked international outrage and calls for transparency in cross-border celebrity investigations.
Background: From Sudden Death to Murder Probe
On October 22, 2025, popular Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, 31, was found unresponsive in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub. She had arrived two days earlier for a video project collaboration with controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee.
According to reports, Namewee discovered her body, performed CPR, and called emergency services around 12:30 PM. However, Hsieh was pronounced dead upon arrival of medical personnel. Initial assessments suggested a heart attack, but ongoing investigations led authorities to reclassify the case as murder under Section 302 of Malaysia’s Penal Code — a charge that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Current Developments
As of November 4, 2025, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirmed that the case had officially been upgraded to a murder investigation.
Meanwhile, Namewee faces separate drug charges after toxicology tests detected amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC in his system. Nine suspected ecstasy pills were also discovered in the room. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, with a court appearance scheduled for December 18, 2025.
Hsieh’s postmortem and toxicology results remain pending, expected to determine whether substances contributed to her death.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | Iris Hsieh arrives in Malaysia for a project with Namewee. |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Found dead in hotel bathtub; Namewee performs CPR and calls for help. Drugs discovered in the room. |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Namewee charged with drug use and possession; pleads not guilty. |
| Nov 2, 2025 | Namewee publicly denies drug involvement, criticizes emergency delay. |
| Nov 4, 2025 | Police reclassify case as murder; Namewee named person of interest. |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Scheduled court mention for Namewee’s drug case. |
Who Was Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin?
Known affectionately as the “nurse goddess”, Iris Hsieh transitioned from nursing to full-time content creation, amassing over 500,000 Instagram followers. Her mix of beauty, lifestyle, and travel content made her one of Taiwan’s most adored influencers.
Fans remember her for her kindness, authenticity, and captivating visuals — traits that built her devoted fanbase across Asia. Following her death, tributes have flooded social media, with many calling for justice and transparency.
Who Is Namewee?
Wee Meng Chee, better known as Namewee, is a 42-year-old Malaysian rapper and filmmaker renowned — and often criticized — for his provocative political and social satire.
His career began with controversy in 2007 after remixing Malaysia’s national anthem in protest against racial discrimination. He’s since been involved in multiple disputes, including allegations of insulting religion and sexism in his music videos.
In response to the latest case, Namewee posted on Instagram:
“I did not take drugs, nor did I possess any. At most, I’ve just been drinking a little more lately.”
However, Hsieh’s manager publicly accused him of inconsistencies and urged him to reveal the full truth:
“What are you hiding? How much of the truth have you left unsaid?”
Public Reactions and Online Outcry
The case has ignited massive online debates on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Fans express heartbreak over Iris’s death while others speculate about potential cover-ups or foul play.
Some supporters argue that Namewee is being unfairly targeted due to his past controversies, while others suspect drug involvement or negligence. Authorities have urged the public to avoid misinformation and allow investigations to proceed.
Broader Implications: A Wake-Up Call for Influencers
The tragic death of Iris Hsieh underscores the dangers faced by influencers working in high-pressure, cross-border collaborations. It also exposes gaps in emergency response systems and law enforcement transparency in celebrity cases.
As investigations continue, the world watches closely — demanding justice for Iris Hsieh and accountability from those involved.