Louis Vuitton drops Kris Wu as brand ambassador
Other brands have terminated their contracts following the star’s alleged predatory behavior
Former South Korean boyband EXO member Kris Wu finds himself on hot water after a college student claims that the Chinese Canadian star is hitting on underage women for sex.
According to a report, 19-year-old student Du Meizhu shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo alleged conversations with Kris, showing that the artist lured young women into drinking games by telling them that he is recruiting artists and casting leads for music videos.
Du also said that this experience with the actor took a toll on her mental health. She even came to the point of thinking about suicide.
Based on WWD‘s translation of the actor’s statement, here’s what he says:
“I didn’t respond earlier because I did not want to disrupt the legal process but I didn’t imagine that my silence would accelerate this rumormonger, I cannot stand it any longer. I have only met this woman once on Dec. 5, 2020 while with a group of friends. I didn’t urge anyone to drink, did not take a phone number, moreover did not do any of the details she described. That day there were many people present that could be witnessed. I am very sorry it’s disturbed everyone. I declare I have never done any ‘selecting of concubines’! No luring for sex! No drugging to rape! No underage! If there was this behavior, everyone rest assured I would go to jail willingly. I fully understand the legal weight of my words above.”
Meanwhile, Du gave Kris 72 hours to release a public apology and quit his Entertainment career. As of writing, while the legal process is not yet finalized, several brands have already terminated their contracts with the actor.
[trending] Brand terminations for #KrisWu continue as Tempo and Kangshifu Iced Tea state they have terminated their working relationships with him. Lancôme responds to inquires in customer service that Kris’ contract ended June 2021. Vatti states their contract ended July 2021. pic.twitter.com/UBhlVrx5rd— cdrama tweets (@dramapotatoe) July 19, 2021
This can be damaging to Kris Wu, who’s considered as one of the most valuable faces in China. He is endorsing big international brands and companies such as Louis Vuitton, Porsche, Bulgari, Lancôme, L’Oreal, and more.
Text by Jessica Pag-iwayan
Photo from Louis Vuitton
