Kris Wu has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping a minor and tax evasion. All of the former star’s crimes have just been revealed on Chinese state television.
Former Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping a minor and large-scale tax evasion. After completing his sentence, Kris Wu will be deported and banned from entering China for 10 years. In the latest shocking development in the case, Kris Wu’s full crimes, which have long been kept secret, were officially revealed on July 16 (local time) through a legal education program broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV).
Kris Wu Sentenced to Criminal Charges: Sexual Assault on a Minor
In the CCTV broadcast, Professor Ma Ai of the China University of Political Science and Law confirmed that Kris Wu was convicted of having sex with a minor under the age of 14. Although the acts were deemed “consensual,” Chinese law clearly classifies any sexual acts with someone under this age as statutory rape.
Professor Ma Ai emphasized the seriousness of the crime, explaining that the involvement of a minor made the case a serious sexual assault, thus justifying the maximum prison sentence. Kris Wu, who is a Canadian citizen, is not eligible for a reduced sentence under current Chinese law.
Wu Yifan’s reputation was further tarnished when the former star was convicted of tax evasion totaling more than 300 million yuan (over $41 million). Wu’s mother, who oversaw the management of several of her son’s companies, was also convicted of customs and tax fraud during her tenure.
Both Wu and his mother were prosecuted after failing to pay back outstanding taxes and fines. These charges led to the extension of Wu’s legal obligations, further exacerbating the former star’s situation.
Background of the case
The initial investigation into Wu began in July 2021, after an influencer named Du Meizhu accused him of drugging and assaulting her when she was a minor. Du Meizhu’s testimony, along with reports from other victims, sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a formal investigation by Chinese authorities.
The investigation confirmed that Wu assaulted three intoxicated women at his home between November and December 2020, and that the former star had organized a group sex event involving minors in July 2018.
Once hailed as a “top idol” in Chinese entertainment, Wu is now a cautionary tale about the abuse of fame and power. Wu’s sentencing marks a turning point in China’s efforts to increase accountability in the entertainment industry.
With 13 years in prison ahead and Kris Wu’s public image tarnished, Kris Wu’s downfall is a stark reminder that no one is above the law.
Regarding the 300 million yuan tax evasion issue, a Chinese media outlet reported on April 27 that Kris Wu is facing a new serious charge while serving his prison sentence. Specifically, according to a lawyer from Tianjin, China, Kris Wu has been transferred to Chaoyang Detention Center in Beijing, awaiting trial on the new charges. If convicted, his current 13-year sentence could be “extended”. This is because, according to Article 60 of the Chinese Criminal Law, sentences for multiple convictions will be added together before deducting the time already served.
