From Beijing to Washington: The Death of YuMenglong Attracts Global Attention The case of YuMenglong continues to resonate worldwide, as Chinese netizens, both domestically and internationally, call for justice for the late actor who tragically fell from a balcony in Beijing on September 11. Initially reported as a leading story by the #BBC, the case has now attracted interest from the U.S. magazine Foreign Policy, highlighting its increasing global relevance. It’s over a month after YuMenglong’s death, but public interest remains elevated. In the aftermath, Chinese authorities swiftly classified the incident as an accidental fall linked to alcohol, dismissing any criminal implications while actively stifling public discourse. Nevertheless, many individuals remain doubtful about the details surrounding his death. Online initiatives have emerged to seek the truth and promote Yu’s narrative on a global scale, with global petitions amassing over 170,000 signatures. The BBC previously outlined several factors contributing to public skepticism regarding the official narrative. Other media organizations, such as The Australian, Singapore’s Straits Times, and various Taiwanese outlets, have also covered the story. Now, ForeignPolicy, a prominent U.S. publication focused on global politics, security, and diplomacy, has contributed its perspective, emphasizing the case’s widespread implications. On October 1, Foreign Policy released an article titled “Chinese Public Clings to Celebrity Cover-up, Actor YuMenglong’s Death Sparks Censorship and Rumors.” The piece highlighted that YuMenglong’s
enigmatic death ignited significant online discourse despite strict information controls. The article noted that the manner in which Chinese authorities handled the case — along with the public’s response — exemplifies the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) firm control over the media and public sentiment. While excessive censorship often conceals news about trivial matters, the act of censorship itself can sometimes become a narrative, fueling conspiracy theories regarding the reasons behind the suppression of information. Independent voices in the U.S. amplify the case of Yu Menglong as the independent media outlet “DavidsView” on YouTube has brought attention to the fact that this marks the first instance of mainstream American media covering the YuMenglong case. The program characterized Foreign Policy as a reputable and influential magazine with a global audience of six million, primarily consisting of political, academic, and business leaders, and shared its findings on X (formerly known as Twitter). As reported by “DavidsView,” the magazine highlighted that Chinese internet users are skeptical of the official narrative surrounding YuMenglong’s death and are committed to uncovering the truth. The report also emphasized how this case reveals the impunity that powerful individuals enjoy within the Chinese system. If a prominent figure like YuMenglong can be so easily silenced, it raises concerns about the vulnerability of ordinary citizens. This situation underscores a deep sense of legal insecurity, echoing the feelings of helplessness experienced during the initial stages of the pandemic. Supporters online expressed their appreciation: “Thank you, Mr. David, for advocating for #Yu Menglong! We are grateful to every just individual standing up for him! We hope that those responsible are brought to justice, that Yu Menglong finds peace, and that his mother stays safe and well.”
