Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee has been taken into custody as authorities in Kuala Lumpur investigate the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. The 42-year-old artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, surrendered to police on November 5 after being named a person of interest in the case, according to multiple reports. He was remanded again on November 10 as police sought more time to question him.
Hsieh, 31, was found dead in the bathtub of a high-end Kuala Lumpur hotel on October 22. Also known as Hsieh Yu-hsin, she had traveled to Malaysia to discuss a commercial video that Namewee was directing, her social media manager told the BBC. What began as a “sudden death” report was later reclassified as a murder investigation as police worked to reconstruct the events leading up to her death.
What Police Have Said So Far
Authorities have said they wanted to question Namewee because they believe he was the last person to see Hsieh alive. Malaysian media reported that Namewee contacted emergency services around midnight on October 22 after finding Hsieh unresponsive in the bathroom. He was arrested later that day after officers discovered nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room, per the BBC.
Police subsequently said Namewee tested positive for several substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC, according to the BBC. The rapper has denied using drugs. On November 10, he pleaded not guilty to related drug charges and was released on bail shortly thereafter. Authorities have not charged him with homicide; he remains a person of interest as the murder investigation continues.
Earlier in the case, officials shifted the classification from a sudden death to a murder probe as new information emerged. While investigators have not disclosed detailed forensic findings, the ongoing remand indicates detectives are still collecting statements and reviewing evidence. The court granted an additional three days of remand time at police request to allow further questioning and procedural steps, Agence France-Presse reported.
Namewee’s Response And Legal Status
Since the investigation began, Namewee has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In an Instagram post in early November, he told followers that “the truth will speak for itself,” signaling that he plans to contest the allegations surrounding both the narcotics claims and the broader case. His attorney, Joshua Tay, told AFP that the investigation is ongoing and that police requested an extension to complete their inquiries.
Although the drug charges have moved forward with a not-guilty plea and bail, the homicide investigation remains separate. Authorities have not announced any additional suspects or charges connected to Hsieh’s death. For now, the focus appears to be on reconstructing the timeline, determining cause and manner of death, and clarifying who was present in the hotel suite during key hours. Police have not indicated when they expect to conclude the probe.
Hsieh’s death has drawn significant attention in Taiwan and Malaysia due to her sizable online following and the high-profile nature of her planned collaboration with Namewee. As tributes continue to surface on social media, her team has emphasized she was in Kuala Lumpur on professional business tied to the commercial video discussions.
Who Is Namewee?
Namewee is a prominent, and often polarizing, figure in the Chinese-language entertainment world. The rapper, actor, and director has cultivated a career that spans music, film, and digital platforms, building an audience in Malaysia, Taiwan, and beyond. His satirical streak and boundary-pushing projects have long generated headlines alongside charting singles and viral videos.
In 2021, he was reportedly blacklisted by Beijing after releasing a Mandarin-language song that mocked Chinese nationalists; the track went on to surpass 30 million views on YouTube. His controversies date back further: in 2007, he faced backlash for “Negarakuku,” a parody rendition of the Malaysian national anthem featuring irreverent lyrics. In 2016, he was detained for several days for allegedly insulting Islam after a video was filmed in part inside a mosque in Malaysia. Two years later, he was arrested again over a Lunar New Year video featuring dancers in dog masks performing suggestive choreography. It’s unclear whether those incidents resulted in formal charges.
Despite the controversies, Namewee has remained an active creative force, directing and starring in films while releasing music that frequently courts debate. That visibility now places him squarely at the center of a case that has captivated regional media and fans watching for updates.
What Happens Next
As of now, Malaysian authorities continue to treat Hsieh’s death as a murder investigation. Police have kept key details under wraps while the case remains active, and neither investigators nor the court have provided a public timeline for next steps. With Namewee out on bail for the drug-related charges and still under scrutiny as a person of interest, any new developments—whether forensic findings, additional witness statements, or further court proceedings—will be closely watched.
For the entertainment community in Taiwan and Malaysia, the tragic death of Iris Hsieh has overshadowed what was intended to be a professional collaboration. Screen Rant will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
