Kris Wu Facing Rape Charges

 

CREDIT: Fllepic

Kris Wu, also known as Wu Yi Fan, is spending time behind bars after being arrested over allegations of raping a fan.

His case has sparked discussions all over Chinese social media, and persuaded some loyal fans to break him out of prison.

Wu continues pledging his innocence and has gained legal measures to defend himself.

The 30-year-old has become one of China's newest "Xiaoxianrou" or "young fresh meat" stars. This refers to "pretty male pop or screen idols."

He rose to fan in Korean boyband EXO and has also starred in films, a popular rap show, and reality TV projects.

CREDIT: allkpop.com

Two years ago, a 19-year-old woman alleged he lured her into his home on the pretences of a work opportunity, then supplied her with alcohol and raped her.

She, along with two dozen women have alleged various sexual impropriety accounts against the K-Pop star. 

This has led to various companies, including Porsche, Bulgari, and Lancome dropping Wu as brand ambassador.

A China specialist from the Australian National University explained that these allegations could lead to the involvement of someone higher than the police.

"I think this would have gone up to a very high decision-making level because it sends a very, very strong signal."

Beijing police are continuing the investigation, but Wu could be facing between 10 years and life in prison if convicted.

CREDIT: allkpop.com

Since his arrest, government media has sent out a message; Neither fame nor a foreign passport will help you avoid Chinese justice.

His arrest "teaches society a very solid lesson that everyone is equal before the law."

"On Chinese soil, everyone is equal before the law."

This arrest comes not long after a government body overseeing China's performing arts sector issued new guideline around how performers and celebrities should behave.

It requires all performers must "love the motherland" and create art "that serves the people and socialism."

They also threaten industry boycotts against performers who break the law or conduct in illegal activities.

CREDIT: Getty Images

Other rules indicate the "cleaning up" of the physical appearance of entertainers. Tattoos are now banned from showing along with earrings on men.

Popular entertainment shows are now required to blur out body art if the performers haven't already covered them up.

These guideline come after another Chinese star Fan Bingbing disappeared from the public eye for four months.

Upon her return, she apologised for tax avoidance.

Although Wu's case is different, China's government are already on the way to shut down his Weibo account, his music on streaming sites, and suspend some fan discussion groups online.

"The main factor is fan culture. The regime is getting very freaked out by the amount of time that it absorbs and the amount of money that goes towards what the party regards as useless activity."

CREDIT: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Wu's case is being viewed as a movement similar to the #MeToo movement.

His case is also the most high profile in China since Zhu Jun was sued for sexual harassment by a popular online blogger. That case is still ongoing.

Advocates in China have a tougher time promoting their cause and movement due to the government censorship and control of the media.

It is also unclear whether Wu's arrest reflects on The Chinese Communist Party prioritising women or not.

"This is about as far away from feminism and the #MeToo movement as you can imagine."