Malaysian Police Seek Rapper Namewee in Connection with Taiwanese Influencer's Death

Investigation Escalates from Sudden Death to Murder as Authorities Pursue Artist

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Authorities in Malaysia are actively searching for the rapper Namewee (黃明志) as part of their investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh (謝侑芯). Hsieh was discovered deceased at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur last month, and the case has now been reclassified as a murder investigation.

According to reports from Malaysian media, the Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Fadil Marsus, stated that the investigation, initially treated as a sudden death, has been upgraded under Malaysia's Penal Code. Police have indicated that an arrest is anticipated soon, with some news outlets reporting that a warrant has been issued for Namewee's apprehension.

The incident came to light on October 22nd when emergency services were summoned to a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. They were responding to a call concerning a Taiwanese woman who had collapsed in a hotel room. Namewee was present at the hotel and was subsequently arrested. He was later charged with drug possession and use, with authorities finding ecstasy pills on his person and him testing positive for several substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC.

Namewee has reportedly pleaded not guilty to these charges and was released on bail. A court hearing was scheduled for December 18th.

Media attention intensified regarding Hsieh's death following reports that she was collaborating on a video project with Namewee at the time of her passing. In response to the developing situation, Namewee released a statement on his Facebook page, denying drug use or possession and alleging he was a victim of blackmail, the specifics of which he could not yet disclose. He also raised concerns about the arrival time of the ambulance for Hsieh, a claim later disputed by Malaysia's health ministry, which stated the ambulance arrived within 26 minutes.

As of Tuesday, Malaysian authorities were awaiting post-mortem and toxicology reports to definitively establish the cause of Iris Hsieh's death. Unconfirmed reports from Malaysian media suggest Hsieh, aged 31, was found in a dry bathtub within the hotel room, indicating it had not been used. These reports also suggest Namewee attempted to leave the hotel premises upon the arrival of emergency responders but was intercepted.

Namewee, 42, is a well-known figure recognized for his music and commentary on social and political issues. Originally from Malaysia, he gained prominence in Taiwan in 2022 with his song "Fragile" (玻璃心), which satirized nationalistic sentiments and was subsequently removed from music streaming platforms in China shortly after its release. He is an alumnus of Taiwan's Ming Chuan University and has received multiple nominations for best Mandarin male singer at Taiwan's Golden Melody Awards.

In response to inquiries, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its representative office in Malaysia was informed of Hsieh's death and has been assisting her family with arrangements. The ministry has withheld further details out of respect for the family's privacy.