But Beijing has turned tough on the private-sector wealthy this year, and there were indications that authorities would scrutinize Wu’s case. State media commentators were harsh on him this month after a number of young women came forward with allegations of sexual assault — a departure from previous cases — and a string of brands cancelled endorsement deals. Wu has denied any wrongdoing.
Wu rose to stardom at age 18 when he joined South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo, which quickly became one of the most popular K-pop groups in South Korea. China-Canada relations also remain tense over the continued house arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, as the United States seeks her extradition on charges of Iran sanctions violations, and Beijing’s detention of two Canadian nationals, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, among other retaliatory actions.
Her allegations sparked a firestorm, with two dozen other young women also making allegations against Wu. In response, more than a dozen brands suspended or cancelled their contracts with Wu, including French luxury brand Louis Vuitton, German automaker Porsche, French cosmetics label Lancôme, Chinese instant noodle brand Master Kong and Chinese video-streaming giant Tencent Video.Article content“There were never any ‘minors’!” Wu wrote on the Weibo social media platform earlier this month.
China can keep the rapist, we don’t want him back anyways, just free the two Michaels
Good!
Would be wise for everyone to steer clear of China. Kidnap diplomacy seems to be order of the day.
Can we trade him for the 2 innocent Michael’s!!!