The mysterious death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong has sent ripples through the Chinese-language internet, despite the best efforts of censors to suppress the news. Shortly after Sept. 11, reports emerged that his crumpled body had been found at the base of a multistory apartment building. Police labeled the death an “accidental fall” involving alcohol, then swiftly ruled out criminal activity without going into detail. Brief media notes echoed this finding.

The sanitized story—and utter silence following a well-known entertainer’s death—struck many as bizarre, prompting netizens to question the official version of events. Alternative theories began circulating online, claiming that Yu had been the victim of foul play or that higher-level authorities had ordered a hush-up.

The mysterious death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong has sent ripples through the Chinese-language internet, despite the best efforts of censors to suppress the news. Shortly after Sept. 11, reports emerged that his crumpled body had been found at the base of a multistory apartment building. Police labeled the death an “accidental fall” involving alcohol, then swiftly ruled out criminal activity without going into detail. Brief media notes echoed this finding.

The sanitized story—and utter silence following a well-known entertainer’s death—struck many as bizarre, prompting netizens to question the official version of events. Alternative theories began circulating online, claiming that Yu had been the victim of foul play or that higher-level authorities had ordered a hush-up.

Though he never reached the highest echelons of stardom, the 37-year-old Yu still attracted a notable following, with roles in several popular dramas such as Go Princess Go (2015); Eternal Love (2017); and The Legend of the White Snake (2019); and 26 million followers on Weibo, a major social media platform. The actor also participated in the reality show Shine! Super Brothers, featuring a cadre of male entertainers—some past their prime, but with sufficient star power to pull in viewers. Raised by a single mother, Yu maintained a reputation for kindness and impressed the public with his down-to-earth persona. He reportedly clothes-shopped on

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