On September 11, 2025, China’s entertainment world was shaken by the sudden death of Yu Menglong, also known internationally as Alan Yu. At 36, the actor—celebrated for his role as Bai Zhen in Eternal Love (Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms)—was at the peak of his career. News of his passing spread like wildfire, leaving fans devastated and the public awash with unanswered questions. Was this simply a tragic accident, or was there more beneath the surface?
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The Official Statement
On September 21, the Chaoyang District Public Security Bureau in Beijing released its preliminary findings. According to the report, Yu’s death was classified as an accident caused by alcohol consumption, with no evidence of criminal activity. Police confirmed they had conducted forensic examinations, analyzed surveillance footage, and interviewed witnesses before reaching their conclusion.
Authorities also revealed they had taken compulsory measures against three individuals found guilty of spreading false information about Yu’s death.
Shortly afterward, Weibo—the country’s largest social media platform—announced it had removed over 4,300 posts containing misleading claims and permanently or temporarily banned 60 accounts involved in spreading such rumors.
Family’s Confirmation
On September 16, Yu’s mother issued a public statement that aligned with the police report. She confirmed that her son had died in an accident linked to alcohol and pleaded with the public to stop spreading baseless speculation. She emphasized that the rumors only deepened the family’s grief and disrupted their efforts to arrange his funeral.
Rumors That Wouldn’t Die
Despite these official announcements, online speculation continued to grow. The digital vacuum created by the limited details provided by authorities was quickly filled by increasingly elaborate conspiracy theories.
One of the most sensational rumors involved a red USB drive that Yu allegedly possessed. According to unverified accounts, the device contained explosive evidence of money laundering within the entertainment industry. Some stories claimed Yu had been detained, forced to drink alcohol, and tortured in an attempt to force him to reveal the USB’s whereabouts.
Audio clips also circulated, purporting to capture Yu’s final cries of pain and defiance, with one phrase repeated in posts: “Even if you kill me, I will not bow down.” Videos shared online described scenes of him being whipped in a dimly lit room under a green lamp.
Even more outlandish claims suggested Yu swallowed the USB to hide it, only to be stabbed in the stomach by interrogators trying to retrieve it. Another version alleged that he was dangled from a window and pushed off a high floor before being dragged back inside and redressed to stage a false scene of accidental death.
None of these rumors have been substantiated by official sources. Still, the sheer volume and speed with which they spread reflected the deep mistrust and curiosity of online communities.
Silence Fuels Suspicion
One factor that gave these rumors traction was the perceived silence of mainstream media. Posts related to Yu’s death were quickly removed from Chinese platforms, and state media reported only brief, sanitized accounts. The lack of transparency left many believing that crucial information was being withheld.
In this environment, every unanswered question became fertile ground for speculation. The stricter the censorship appeared, the more convinced some netizens became that there was a cover-up.
Actress Song Yiren Drawn Into the Storm
Another name unexpectedly drawn into the controversy was actress Song Yiren (Ireine Song), a frequent co-star and close friend of Yu. Online chatter alleged she had been present at a gathering before Yu’s death. Lists circulating online also mentioned directors and other celebrities, suggesting a wider web of involvement.
In response, Song’s legal representatives issued a formal statement rejecting the accusations as defamation and warned that they would take legal action against anyone spreading such claims. Still, the rumors persisted, showing how difficult it is to contain narratives once they take root online.
What We Know vs. What We Don’t
So far, the verified facts are:
Yu Menglong died in an accident after consuming alcohol.
No criminal activity was found by investigators.
Three people were punished for spreading false rumors.
Yu’s mother confirmed the official conclusion publicly.
Meanwhile, the following elements remain firmly in the realm of unverified speculation:
The existence of a red USB drive.
Claims of torture, secret detainment, or organ injury.
Alleged leaked audio and video recordings.
Conspiracy theories involving other celebrities.
A Clash Between Fact and Doubt
Yu’s case reflects a wider conflict in today’s digital society: the tension between official information and public skepticism. When details are scarce, online communities fill the gaps with imagination, creating stories that often spread faster than facts.
For fans, Yu’s death is not only a heartbreaking loss but also a window into the fragility of public trust in official narratives. Authorities insist it was an accident, yet many remain convinced there is more to the story. Between these two extremes, the truth remains clouded in uncertainty.
Conclusion
As of now, Yu Menglong’s death is officially recorded as a tragic accident. Yet the persistence of conspiracy theories demonstrates the public’s unease and the challenges of trust in an era of information control and viral rumor.
Was this truly a fatal night shaped by alcohol, or is there a deeper story hidden from view? Only time—and perhaps future disclosures—will determine how this tragedy is ultimately remembered.
