Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 22, 2025. Initially classified as a sudden death, the case has now been reclassified as a murder investigation following new forensic evidence. Hsieh, 31, had checked into the hotel with Malaysian rapper Namewee, who was detained for drug possession on the day of her death. The incident has sparked international attention, with fans and media demanding clarity on the Iris Hsieh Cause of Death,
Iris Hsieh, whose real name was Hsieh Yu-hsin, was discovered unresponsive in a bathtub at a hotel on Jalan Conlay in central Kuala Lumpur. Police responded to a distress call at 1:40 p.m. local time. She had arrived in Malaysia on October 20 to collaborate on a video project with Namewee. Authorities initially suspected cardiac arrest, but new findings prompted a homicide probe. Toxicology and post-mortem reports are pending and expected within three months.
Timeline and Key Individuals
- Date of Death: October 22, 2025
- Location: Hotel bathtub, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur
- Companion: Namewee (Wee Meng Chee), Malaysian rapper
- Substances Found: Ecstasy pills, amphetamines, ketamine, THC
- Police Statement: “We expect to make an arrest soon,” said Datuk Fadil Marsus
Namewee has denied involvement, stating he found Hsieh unconscious and attempted CPR before calling for help.
Reactions: Public and Media Response
Fans across Taiwan and Malaysia expressed shock and grief. Social media tributes flooded Hsieh’s Instagram, where she had over 547,000 followers. Known for bold stunts—including a viral IKEA video in 2024—Hsieh was a prominent figure in Asia’s influencer scene. Namewee posted a translated statement saying he feels “deeply sorry” and trusts the investigation to “reveal the truth”.
Legal and Cultural Implications
The case has reignited debates around influencer safety, drug culture, and celebrity accountability. Malaysian authorities are under pressure to deliver transparent findings. The involvement of a high-profile artist and the nature of the substances found have intensified scrutiny. Hsieh’s death also raises questions about hotel security and digital privacy in high-profile cases.
What’s Next: Investigation Timeline and Updates
- Toxicology Report: Expected by January 2026
- Surveillance Review: Ongoing analysis of hotel footage
- Legal Proceedings: Namewee’s drug case set for mention on December 18, 2025
- Police Action: Further arrests possible pending forensic results
Authorities will release a full report once all lab analyses are complete.
