**Malaysian Rapper Namewee Released on Bail Amid Investigation into Taiwanese Influencer’s Death**
Malaysian rapper Namewee was released on bail Thursday after police named him a “person of interest” in the ongoing investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. Authorities are waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine the next steps in the case.
Namewee, whose birth name is Wee Meng Chee, was released until November 26, said Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus in a statement. The rapper, 42, continues to maintain his innocence, stating earlier this month on Instagram that “the truth will speak for itself.” Police did not disclose the amount of bail.
**Death of Iris Hsieh**
Iris Hsieh, also known as Hsieh Yu-hsin or “nurse goddess” to fans, was found dead on October 22 in a bathtub at a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The 31-year-old influencer was visiting Malaysia to discuss a commercial video project with Namewee, who had agreed to direct the video, her social media manager told the BBC.
Namewee is believed to be the last person who saw Hsieh before her death, according to police reports. Malaysian media said Namewee called emergency services shortly after midnight on October 22 when he discovered Hsieh unresponsive in the hotel bathroom.
**Drug Charges and Ongoing Investigation**
On the day of Hsieh’s death, police arrested Namewee after finding nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room, the BBC reported. While Namewee denied using drugs, police claimed he tested positive for several illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. He pleaded not guilty to the drug charges.
Following completion of the autopsy, the investigation will be referred back to the deputy public prosecutor’s office, according to police.
**Namewee’s Career and Controversies**
Namewee is known for his outspoken hip-hop career, acting, and filmmaking, primarily performing in Mandarin. He has found significant success in China and Taiwan, but has also faced considerable controversy and legal trouble throughout his career.
In 2021, Namewee was blacklisted by Beijing after he released a Mandarin-language song mocking Chinese nationalists, which quickly gained more than 30 million views on YouTube. He rose to notoriety in Malaysia in 2007 with the release of “Negarakuku,” a parody of the Malaysian national anthem that sparked widespread criticism.
Namewee was detained in Malaysia in 2016 after allegedly insulting Islam in a video partly filmed inside a mosque; he claimed the video aimed to promote religious harmony. In 2018, he was arrested again for another video that featured dancers in dog masks performing suggestive moves during Lunar New Year celebrations.
**About Iris Hsieh**
Iris Hsieh was a prominent influencer with over half a million followers on Instagram. According to reports from CNA, she previously had four other social media accounts suspended for “adult sexual solicitation.”
The case remains under investigation as authorities await the autopsy results before determining any further actions.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-namewee-freed-bail-death-influencer-iris-hsieh-malaysia/
