According to the Beijing Third Intermediate People’s Court, the second trial of Kris Wu’s case of rape and group licentiousness began today (July 25).
On July 25, 2023, the Beijing Third Intermediate People’s Court heard the appeal of Kris Wu for the charges of rape and group licentiousness. Due to concerns over the victim’s privacy, the case was tried in a closed court.
On November 25, 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing issued a first-instance judgment on the case, sentencing the defendant Kris Wu to eleven years and six months imprisonment for rape, with additional deportation; and to one year and ten months imprisonment for group licentiousness, with sentences combined for a total of thirteen years imprisonment and additional deportation. The defendant Kris Wu appealed to the Beijing Third Intermediate People’s Court.
The People’s Court informed the Canadian Embassy in China in accordance with relevant regulations prior to the hearing. During the trial, all litigation rights of the appellant Kris Wu were ensured by law.
The verdict will be announced at a later date according to law.
Previously in February 2023, there were reports that Kris Wu’s second trial might turn around significantly, as Du Meizhu’s close friend Li En, who is a key witness, stated that the claims of being kidnapped into the room were false.
Looking back to 2021, Du Meizhu, who was just an internet celebrity at the time, publicly accused Kris Wu of a sex scandal. Wu was ultimately sentenced to thirteen years in prison with additional deportation due to evidence and testimonies.
As the second trial of the case was approaching, Kris Wu’s lawyer brought in Li En, a well-known internet celebrity and former close friend of Du Meizhu, to serve as a key witness. Li En confirmed on Weibo, emphasizing that she could not stand Du Meizhu’s constant lies and decided to reveal the truth.
“Aren’t you tired?” Aside from confirming her appearance in court “to confront Du Meizhu”, Li En also mentioned Du Meizhu’s “true face” in her post. Li En exposed that Du Meizhu was after money all along, and the photos showing Du Meizhu’s depression treatment were actually just photos of her plastic surgery.
In addition, Li En “recounted” the whole process of the night when Du Meizhu and Kris Wu were drinking, emphasizing that it was Du Meizhu who refused to leave, not under coercion.
Looking back at Du Meizhu’s initial accusations against Kris Wu, she stressed that she was “kidnapped and tricked” by Kris Wu’s staff into the room. However, according to Li En’s recount of the “truth”, it was rather Du Meizhu who insisted on staying despite others’ dissuasion, and even bragged about her relationship with Kris Wu the next day.
Regarding her testimony, Li En emphasized that Kris Wu should indeed take responsibility for his mistakes, but Du Meizhu should also pay for her lies, telling Du Meizhu “you can’t escape”.