The death of a Taiwanese influencer known as “Nurse Goddess” at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur has resulted in controversial rapper Namewee facing drug charges.
According to media reports, Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, met Hsieh Yu-hsin on 22 October at a hotel to discuss a collaboration. Sin Chew Daily reported that Hsieh, also known as Iris, went to shower during the meeting and did not return. Wee later found her dead in the bathtub.
Wee reportedly called the emergency hotline at 12.30pm before heading to the hotel lobby, where police were present. An officer subsequently escorted him back to his room. Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said officers searched the room and found nine pills suspected to be ecstasy.
Wee was brought to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters for a urine test, which tested positive for amphetamines, meth, ketamine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). He was remanded for two days and later charged with drug possession.
“On Oct 24, he was charged with two offences under Sections 39A(1) and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act for possession and use of drugs,” Fadil said.
Section 39A(1) carries a penalty of up to five years in jail and up to nine strokes of the rotan. Section 15(1)(a) provides for a maximum two-year jail term or a fine of up to RM5,000. Wee pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on bail of RM4,000 for each. He is due to appear in court again on 18 December.
In a statement posted on Instagram last night, Wee denied using drugs but admitted to heavy drinking. He also claimed to have been blackmailed and vowed to fight to the “bitter end”.
Hsieh’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Taiwanese media initially quoted her manager as saying she had died of a heart attack.