Namewee denies drug use and link to Taiwanese influencer’s death amid police drug charges
Malaysian rapper Namewee has denied using drugs or being involved in the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in a Malaysian hotel last month. Police, however, confirmed he tested positive for multiple drugs and was charged with drug possession and use.
- Malaysian rapper Namewee denied using drugs or being linked to the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, found dead in a hotel bathtub on 22 October 2025.
- Authorities confirmed that Namewee was arrested and charged with drug possession and use after tests showed he was positive for four substances, including MDMA and methamphetamine.
- The cause of Hsieh’s death remains under investigation, with early reports suggesting she may have suffered a heart attack.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysian rapper Namewee (Wee Meng Chee) has publicly denied using drugs or being linked to the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, whose body was discovered in a hotel bathtub on 22 October 2025.
The 42-year-old artist addressed the controversy in an Instagram post on 2 November, calling the reports “unsubstantiated” and asserting that he had not taken any illegal substances.
“I have not used drugs, nor have I been carrying any. At most, I’ve just been drinking more lately. Believe it or not, the truth will come out when the police report is released in two or three months,”
Namewee wrote in Chinese, as translated by Sin Chew Daily.
He also claimed that he and others connected to the incident had been blackmailed and said they were “ready to fight to the end.” While expressing sadness over Hsieh’s death, Namewee alleged that the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive at the scene.
Police confirm drug-related charges
Kuala Lumpur police on 3 October 2025 confirmed that Namewee was arrested and charged last month for drug possession and consumption.
Police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the singer was nabbed on 22 October at a hotel in the capital, where officers discovered nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in his room. He later tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC.
Fadil said Namewee was remanded for two days before being charged in court on 24 October, where he claimed trial to both charges.
The court granted him bail of RM4,000 per charge, and the case will be re-mentioned on 18 December.
Fadil also noted that the rapper had previously faced legal scrutiny in 2021, when he was questioned over his film BABI, which explored racial tension and hate speech.
Earlier reports indicated that Namewee and Hsieh had been working together on a filming project in the hotel room when the incident occurred.
Hsieh went to the bathroom alone and did not return for more than 30 minutes, prompting Namewee to check on her. He reportedly found her unresponsive in a dry bathtub and contacted the police immediately.
Court proceedings and bail conditions
On 24 October, Namewee was charged under Section 39A(1) and Section 15(1)(a) of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug possession and consumption.
He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on bail of RM4,000 (US$850) per charge, with one surety.
The next court mention is scheduled for 18 December 2025.
Cause of death still under investigation
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of Iris Hsieh’s death, though Taiwanese media quoted her manager as suggesting she may have suffered a heart attack.
Hsieh, a popular influencer and model, was found lifeless in a bathtub that was reportedly dry, with no signs of water or external injury.
Police said investigations are ongoing, pending toxicology and post-mortem results.
