'Why is she smiling?' Former EXO idol Kris Wu's accuser Du Meizhu draws backlash for 'gleeful' tone while recalling sexual assault

Time of India

22-07-2025

Content warning: This article contains discussions of sexual assault that may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
The name Kris Wu once echoed through stadiums and fan hearts, however, now, when one talks about the former EXO idol, it leaves a bad taste to the mouth. The singer is currently sitting behind bars, serving a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2022 for multiple sexual offenses, including rape.
His downfall began in 2021 when Chinese influencer Du Meizhu, then just 17, publicly accused the Chinese-Canadian singer of date-raping her. Her brave revelation sent shockwaves through the C-pop and K-pop communities - and sparked a flood of similar allegations from more than 20 other women, eventually leading to Wu's arrest and conviction.
Du Meizhu recalls the incident with Kris Wu
Now, years later, Du Meizhu has returned to the public eye, and her latest appearance has ignited a new wave of controversy. In an interview on an online talk show, the now 23-year-old influencer gave a chilling, detailed account of the night she claims changed her life forever.
She recounted playing cards with Kris Wu and a group of acquaintances, where alcohol flowed freely. "Kris was very nice about it and even offered to help me drink," she recalled. "He came across as a kind, older guy - very gentlemanly."
But as she became more intoxicated, things took a dark turn. Meizhu said Kris' female manager led her to a room to rest. She remembered a man lying beside her, whispering, "Baby, I really like you," before kissing her and walking away. She believes she was later taken to another location - where the alleged assault took place.
"When I woke up, we were in bed together. I was dizzy, confused. It had never happened to me before. I wanted to leave, but he held me back," she shared.Meizhu said Kris tried to calm her down and proposed they become a couple, promising to take responsibility. "I felt like I could only pick the second option," she said, referring to accepting the relationship rather than confronting the trauma.
Netizens unhappy with Du Meizhu's confession about Kris Wu
However, what was meant to be a vulnerable confession has sparked fierce debate - not over the sexual assault, but her demeanour. Many viewers were taken aback by her tone, calling out her "smiling" and "gleeful" expressions during the segment.
"Why is she smiling?" one Weibo user asked bluntly. Another added, "She doesn't come off like the victim. She sounds almost excited."
Some even questioned her motives and timing: "Why bring this up again four years later?"
It's not the first time Meizhu's credibility has come under fire. Her former boss once accused her of exploiting a male model, calling her "not a good person."
Even her former best friend sided with Kris Wu, alleging that Meizhu had once bragged about dating the idol and planned to use the scandal for financial gain.
However, there were also many who rallied behind her, slamming the backlash as classic victim-shaming. "So now victims aren't allowed to smile? Do we want them to cry on cue?" one user wrote. Another said, "This reaction just proves how little society understands trauma."
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Kris Wu saga continues to haunt the entertainment world - not just for what happened, but for how the world chooses to respond.
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