China’s online platforms including Tencent, iQiyi and Youku have removed content related to Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu, 30, former member of K-pop boy band EXO, who was arrested by authorities on Aug. 16 on suspicion of rape.
The China Netcasting Services Association (CNSA), one of the biggest associations in the Chinese internet industry, said it is supporting the decision of its members to remove content containing Kris Wu, Chinese newspaper Global Times reported.
CNSA said as of 10 a.m. of Aug. 17, 1.9 million short videos and 7,000 videos of entertainment programs related to Kris Wu have been removed from online platforms. Weibo, China’s microblogging platform, has banned Kris Wu’s personal and studio accounts.
Kris Wu was detained by Beijing police last July 31 and on Aug. 16, the People’s Procuratorate of Chaoyang District in Beijing posted on Weibo and announced that it approved the arrest of criminal suspect Wu on suspicion of rape in accordance with the law.
His detention last month was prompted by allegations by Chinese influencer Du Meizhu who accused him of luring girls including underage into sex.
“According to the online report that ‘Wu Yifan repeatedly deceived young women to have sex’ and other related circumstances, Wu (male, 30 years old, Canadian national) is suspected of rape after police investigation, and has been detained by Public Security Bureau at Chaoyang district in accordance with the law, and the investigation work is being further carried out,” the police posted on Weibo, according to Global Times.
CNSA posted Q&As with reporters on Aug. 17 about Kris Wu. It said it supports the joint actions by its members and supports the removal of film and TV variety shows in which Kris Wu participated. It said it will never provide opportunities and platforms for illegal and unethical people to appear in.
Global Times reported that more than 80 Chinese entertainers affiliated with Mango TV, an organization of Chinese video platforms, signed a letter of commitment on Aug. 16 and promised to set a good example for the youth.
It added that the China Film Association, China Musicians Association and China TV Artists Association also issued statements about the arrest of Kris Wu and promised to resist unethical celebrities and create a clean environment in the TV industry.