Mixed Reactions on Weibo as Kris Wu Appeals Rape Conviction Amid Ongoing Controversies
The appeal case against Kris Wu, a high-profile Canadian-Chinese celebrity charged with rape and gang rape, was heard on July 25th by the Beijing No.3 Intermediate People's Court. As details of the case involve the privacy of the victims, the proceedings have been held in closed session. Kris Wu was convicted on November 25, 2022, by the People's Court of Chaoyang District, Beijing, and sentenced to 13 years in prison, along with a deportation order.
25 July 2023
These events have elicited a variety of reactions on China's popular social media platform, Weibo, where users have actively engaged in discussing Wu's case and the implications of his appeal.
One user expressed disdain for the empathy some male netizens have shown for Wu, asserting that the allegations against him are not unfounded and urging netizens not to question the capabilities of China's police force. Others pointed out the logistical considerations of court scheduling, noting that as a Canadian citizen, Wu's trial requires the presence of representatives from the Canadian embassy, which necessitates advanced planning. They dismissed conspiracy theories suggesting the sudden appeal hearing was an attempt to distract from other news events.
Many netizens criticized the lack of case details and victim testimony in Wu's trial. One user lamented the case seemed only to revolve around a few official notices, criticizing the lack of rigor in the legal proceedings.
Wu's continued appeal and resistance to the initial ruling has raised questions among netizens, with some asking if he still maintains a fan base who believes in his innocence. Others have speculated whether his appeal is driven by a belief in his own innocence or discontent with the severity of his sentencing.
A notable sentiment seen on Weibo is the convergence of Wu's appeal hearing with the news of a tragic sports stadium collapse in Qiqihar, where 11 people were reported dead. The timing of these events led some netizens to speculate if the sudden appeal hearing was timed to distract from the tragic incident.
The 13-year imprisonment sentence and deportation order handed to Wu in the first instance sparked discussion about the consequences of his actions, with one user expressing irony about Wu's upcoming life in prison. A video about prison life from Sichuan's Prison Bureau gained attention in this context.
In conclusion, the Weibo community presents a mix of scepticism, criticism, speculation and dark humour in response to Wu's appeal hearing. The reactions reveal a variety of public sentiments towards the celebrity, the legal system, and how news events are handled in China. Wu's case continues to serve as a platform for wider discussions about justice, celebrity culture, and public transparency. The outcome of the appeal and its aftermath remain to be seen.