Iris Hsieh, influencer, found dead in hotel bathtub; police launch murder investigation.

A 31-year-old influencer from Taiwan, Iris Hsieh, was found deceased in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, prompting authorities to initiate a murder investigation. Hsieh, who boasted over 500,000 followers on Instagram, was discovered on October 22, drawing significant attention to the case and raising questions about the events leading to her untimely death.

Malaysian authorities have reportedly stated that Hsieh was last seen in the company of Malaysian rapper Namewee, who shared the hotel room with her at the time of the incident. The rapper, whose real name is Ming Chih Huang, has become a central figure in the investigation, as he was present when Hsieh’s body was found.

In a recent social media post, Namewee expressed his profound sorrow over Hsieh’s passing. He claimed that an ambulance took nearly an hour to reach the scene after Hsieh was discovered, which has sparked concerns regarding the response time of emergency services. Additionally, it is worth noting that Namewee was arrested last month on charges related to illegal drug use and possession, although he was released after posting bail. In his Instagram update, he vehemently denied that he had used or possessed any drugs, stating that he had only increased his alcohol consumption recently. He added that the truth surrounding Hsieh’s death would be revealed in the forthcoming police report.

Hsieh’s death, initially detailed as a sudden demise, has now escalated to a murder investigation, as reported by the Malaysian media outlet, New Straits Times. Local law enforcement, including officer Datuk Fadil Marsus, has informed the press that investigators are reaching out to hotel staff and security personnel, and meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from the location to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death. Datuk Fadil emphasized that investigations are thorough, scrutinizing every aspect of the situation, including the movements of both Hsieh and Namewee and determining whether the latter is considered a suspect in the case.

As the investigation unfolds, the case has gained considerable media attention, highlighting the interplay between social media, celebrity culture, and public interest in mysterious incidents. The police have committed to a comprehensive examination of all evidence available, suggesting that more developments are likely to emerge in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as law enforcement continues to seek clarity in this troubling case.