3rd November 2025 – (Kuala Lumpur) The manager of Taiwanese influencer and former nurse Iris Hsieh has insisted the incident that preceded her death occurred entirely outside any professional remit, stressing a duty to respect an artist’s privacy and social autonomy. Describing the loss as a sudden tragedy that has left her team devastated, the manager said they remain resolute in seeking clarity over the circumstances, pledging to establish exactly how events unfolded.
Hsieh, 31, died in Malaysia, where she had travelled for non-work activities, according to the manager’s account. Local authorities confirmed that Malaysian rapper Namewee was present at the scene. Investigators allegedly recovered nine blue pills from his person that were later identified as ecstasy, while initial urine screening was reportedly positive for four types of drugs. Police indicated that, based on scene evidence, there were no signs of rape, and the case is not being investigated as a sexual assault. The body was said to have been moved from a bed to a bathroom. A post-mortem report has yet to be released, and the investigation remains active.
The manager stated they had been in continuous contact with law enforcement to verify what happened. They said an early understanding of a sudden cardiac arrest was at odds with subsequent official statements, which they claim diverged from Namewee’s public account. The manager questioned the inconsistencies and argued that those who cared about Hsieh deserved transparent answers.
Responding to online criticism about not accompanying Hsieh to Malaysia, the manager said artists are entitled to make personal and social choices outside formal engagements, provided they comply with company policies and the law. The manager reiterated that their role is to advise and support, not to intrude on private lives.
Namewee has been charged under Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, including section 39A(1) for possession and section 15(1)(a) for drug use, according to police. He has pleaded not guilty and was released on bail of 8,000 ringgit (about HK$14,000), with a hearing scheduled for 18 December. If convicted of possession under section 39A(1), penalties include a minimum of two years’ imprisonment up to five years and between three and nine strokes of the cane. Convictions for possession and use can also attract fines and a supervisory order of up to three years.
