Authorities found Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh dead in a hotel bathtub in Penang, Malaysia. Her body was found by staff on November 3, 2025. Police initially classified the case as a sudden death.
However police soon took a different turn in their investigation. Examining evidence led them to reclassify the incident as murder. The rapid revision of the police view stirred public interest.
The Suspect
The police revealed that Namewee, a Malaysian rapper, was the last person who had seen Hsieh alive. Namewee’s real name Wee Meng Chee, checked into the hotel together with her. He had left the premises shortly before staff discovered the body.
The police also arrested Namewee for questioning and detained him in custody to help the investigation. Meanwhile his fans expressed their shock online.
The Investigation
Detectives went in search of clues at the hotel scene. They gathered unspecified evidence, which led to the classification of murder. Forensic teams analyzed the bathtub area.
Therefore, police extensively questioned Namewee. They sought an explanation for his actions that night. Moreover investigators studied hotel surveillance footage.
Background information
Iris Hsieh amassed a large following as an influencer on social media. She went to Malaysia for work and leisure. On the other hand, Namewee gained fame for his rap songs that created controversy.
Moreover the two are said to have met through mutual friends. Their meeting paved the way for the fateful hotel stay. The story received extensive media coverage.
Public Reaction
Hsieh’s death was mourned by his fans and followers on social platforms, many demanded justice as soon as possible. The supporters of Namewee also rallied around him in defense against the allegations.
It indeed pinpointed the safety concerns of influencers while abroad. Therefore travel risks had to be more discussed. At last, the investigation was pledged to be fair in finding the truth.
