Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee has been remanded in custody in connection with the death of a Taiwanese influencer found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub two weeks ago.
Police say Namewee, 42, was the last person seen with 31-year-old Iris Hsieh, according to reports. She was in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video Namewee had agreed to direct, her social media manager told the BBC.
Namewee, who denies charges of illegal drug use and possession for which he was granted bail, is now back in custody to assist in the investigation, police said after reclassifying her death as murder.
He turned himself in early on Wednesday, his lawyer said, and has been put on remand for six days.
The case has gone through many twists in the last few days. Malaysian media reports indicated that Namewee contacted emergency services shortly after finding Hsieh unresponsive in the bathroom.
Police arrested him later that day, discovering nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room. Despite denying drug use, Namewee tested positive for several illicit substances.
He pleaded not guilty to the drug charges and was released on bail before the murder reclassification prompted his further custody.
Namewee has publicly stated his innocence and expressed frustration over local media coverage, claiming they misrepresent the situation.
His popularity stems from both his music and controversy, notably a 2007 remake of Malaysia's national anthem that went viral and drew legal threats. Hsieh, known as the 'nurse goddess', had a strong social media presence but did not achieve the same level of fame as Namewee. The investigation continues as authorities await post-mortem results to determine Hsieh's cause of death.
