Both Yu Menglong (right) and Qiao Renliang’s cases highlight a recurring pattern in celebrity deaths in China. Photos: Filepic
Two high-profile deaths in China's entertainment industry have triggered widespread public outrage, with disturbing allegations emerging that authorities are attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding the passing of actor Yu Menglong and performer Qiao Renliang.
Both cases, marked by extreme violence and a perceived lack of transparency from official channels, ignited demands for independent investigations.
Yu Menglong, 37, known for his roles in The Legend of White Snake and Three Lives, Three Worlds, died on Sept 11 after falling from a high-rise apartment in Beijing.
Authorities ruled his death accidental due to intoxication, but fans and activists had publicly questioned the official narrative.
Before his death, Yu reportedly sent a final message to his mother, which read: “They may come and kill me anytime. I’m not joking and I’m not hallucinating.”
He had attended a private gathering with over 10 individuals the night before his death.
Witnesses claimed he locked himself in a bedroom around 2am and his body was discovered hours later.
A video circulating online allegedly showed a silhouette struggling at a window, accompanied by anguished screams.
According to unverified reports, a selfie taken at the party appeared to show the reflection of a person tied up.
An audio recording allegedly captured a voice saying: “Get the USB from his body.”
Allegations circulating on social media suggested that Yu was drugged, abused and thrown from the building.
Some reports even claimed he was still alive after the initial fall and was thrown again to ensure his death.
Yu’s mother issued a public statement asking people to stop speculating, saying: “He died after consuming alcohol.”
Her disappearance during funeral arrangements had since raised further concern.
Industry insiders claimed Yu was targeted after refusing sexual advances from powerful figures.
Others alleged he was coerced into covering debts for his manager, leading to exploitation.
Fans reported censorship of Yu’s name on Chinese platforms and claimed his listings were removed from online streaming services.
Hashtags such as #JusticeForYu had trended across social media, demanding transparency and accountability.
In a separate case, performer Qiao was found dead under horrific circumstances.
While official details remained scarce, online communities had circulated graphic descriptions of extreme violence.
The brutality of the alleged crime sparked widespread horror and disbelief.
The lack of a formal investigation and limited media coverage had led to speculation of a cover-up, with some suggesting Qiao's death may be linked to industry exploitation or political intimidation.
The deaths of Yu and Qiao prompted calls for independent forensic reviews, the release of closed-circuit television (CCTV) and audio evidence, protection for witnesses, legal accountability for perpetrators, and transparency from media and law enforcement.
Online reaction was swift. One Weibo user wrote, “I cannot accept that this was simply an accident. The explanation was too quick.”
Another user commented, “We learned nothing from the Qiao Renliang case. Celebrities keep dying and we are given the same official line every time.”
Meanwhile, offline concerns echoed the same mistrust. A Beijing resident told reporters: “The more they delete, the more people think something is being hidden.”
Another person said: “People think celebrities live glamorous lives, but in reality, they are under unbearable pressure.”
Both cases reflected a recurring pattern in celebrity deaths in China, where official causes such as accident or suicide were frequently rejected by the public in favour of elaborate conspiracy theories.
Authorities’ efforts to restrict content had often intensified suspicion.
As one netizen summarised after Yu's death, “We only see the light on stage, not the shadows behind it.” - Sinar Daily
