Chinese internet celebrity Du Meizhu, who gained fame when she accused Canadian-Chinese actor Kris Wu of rape when she was 18 years old in 2021, recently appeared on a popular Chinese online variety show called “Please Talk, Sisters” as a “former lover” and “sister-in-law,” to once again publicly narrate the entire ordeal with Kris Wu. The show was promoted with titles like “18-Year-Old Dragon Slayer” and “Top Stream Terminator,” sparking a wave of public opinion.
Kris Wu, who was once a “top stream star,” was sentenced to 13 years in prison by a Beijing Chaoyang District court in November 2022 for rape and soliciting group licentiousness, with an additional deportation order, a verdict upheld in the second trial. After serving four years in prison, he was transferred to a detention center in Beijing Chaoyang in April this year due to alleged tax evasion amounting to 300 million yuan after his imprisonment, potentially facing additional charges.
The case started when Du Meizhu reported to the Beijing police in July 2021 and revealed details to multiple Chinese media outlets. She claimed that Kris Wu used his status as a contracted artist and roles in music videos to deceive young women into having relationships, alleging that she and over eight other victims, including two minors, were victimized. Her vivid and detailed revelations have remained etched in people’s memory.
Initially positioning herself as a victim seeking justice, Du Meizhu’s appearance on the show “Please Talk, Sisters” provocatively disclosing that Kris Wu invited her to his home under the pretext of casting, getting her intoxicated, and coercing her into a physical relationship. She also claimed rejecting Kris Wu’s proposed 20 million yuan settlement.
During the show, Du Meizhu surprised viewers by stating that she “never filed a police report voluntarily.” However, a Beijing police report from 2021 indicated otherwise, suggesting that the case was initiated based on her complaint. Moreover, a previously leaked audio recording featured her discussing an 8 million yuan “settlement,” raising discrepancies in her statements.
The airing of the controversial program stirred up debates, with Du Meizhu facing accusations of financial disputes with her fans. Allegations emerged that between 2022 and 2023, she borrowed nearly 200,000 yuan from fans under false pretenses of legal battles and a family member’s cancer treatment, only returning 30,000 yuan. Du Meizhu denied scamming and maintained that the funds were “gifts” from supporters. Additionally, she recently filed lawsuits against over 160 social media accounts and self-media outlets that had previously supported her, citing image rights infringement and demanding compensation ranging from tens of thousands. Despite some successful verdicts, most awarded amounts ranged from hundreds to a few thousand yuan, drawing criticism of “burning bridges after crossing the river.”
Reaction to Du Meizhu’s appearance on the show has been polarized. Some supporters argue that victims do not need to be flawless and should be able to speak out courageously at any time, while critics accuse her of exploiting her female identity for sympathy and trivializing the case for entertainment purposes, leading to an online movement to “boycott Please Talk, Sisters.”
Chinese media reports highlighted that “Please Talk, Sisters” touted female solidarity, but its debut focused on the Du Meizhu and Kris Wu case as a sensational draw, resulting in the episode being taken down after receiving numerous reports. The show’s producers countered accusations of “malicious attacks by former star fans,” urging viewers to share backups of the episode but quietly deleting negative comments, further fueling public backlash.