Chinese-Canadian Pop star Kris Wu Denies Sexual Assault Allegations

Chinese-Canadian pop singer and rapper Kris Wu has been accused of sexually assaulting a young woman but continues to deny the allegation. Read on for more details about the shocking controversy.

A former member of the Exo band, Kris Wu is a prominent figure in China and worldwide. Besides being a singer, he is famous for appearing in many Chinese films such as "Sweet Sixteen" and "Mr. Six."

The star's acting helped him gain international recognition. He starred in the Hollywood film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" alongside actors Cara Delevingne and Clive Owen.

After years of enjoying massive success, Wu's career is crashing down. A sexual assault allegation surfaced against him, with The New York Times reporting that Beijing police had detained him.

The arrest comes after an 18-year-old woman Du Meizhu reportedly accused the pop star of rape after she met him in December 2020. She claimed Wu's agent took her to Wu's Beijing home to discuss work.

Meizhu alleged she was forced to drink cocktails until she passed out, only to find herself in Wu's bed when she regained consciousness. They reportedly dated until March 2021, but their communication stopped.

Meizhu believed Wu targeted other females her age, but Wu reportedly denied the allegations. Meanwhile, his detention seems a major move in China. New York-based feminist activist Lu Pin told New York Times:

"Regardless of what the motivation of the police may have been, just the fact that he was detained is huge."

Police initially dismissed Meizhu's case as something she "hyped up," but other women who learned about her case described it as "victim-shaming." Chinese authorities reportedly discourage women from filing sexual misconduct complaints.

Authorities would reportedly shame or sue women for defamation when they speak out about being survivors of sexual assaults and harassment. But in light of Wu's arrest, a Chinese version of the #MeToo movement quickly rose online.

One Chinese broadcaster spewed sarcastic wordplays targeting Wu.

Wu is considered one of the most influential figures in China. The movement started in China in 2018, with women voicing out their experiences of sexual harassment, mostly at the hands of high-profile personalities.

After Du made her bold claims, at least 24 women came forward and reportedly accused Wu of inappropriate behavior toward them. A former member of the popular Chinese girl band SNH48 Zhang Dansan reportedly fell for a similar trick from Wu.

The public backlash against the Chinese actor intensified. From being a well-loved celebrity, Wu instantly became the most hated man in the country, with netizens mocking him on several online platforms.

One Chinese broadcaster reported Wu's case with sarcastic wordplays that have gone viral worldwide. Following the scandal, high-fashion and luxury brands reportedly dropped their partnerships with Wu.

Wu is the latest celebrity to receive public backlash over sexual assault accusations in light of the #MeToo movement, which started in 2006. Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein and actor Bill Cosby also faced similar controversies.