Beijing — A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through China’s entertainment industry following the tragic death of beloved actor Xu Menglong (Vu Mong Lung). The 37-year-old star, known for his gentle persona and elegant screen presence, reportedly fell from a high-rise apartment building in Beijing last month.
Yet in the days following the incident, disturbing videos and rumors began circulating across Chinese social media — and one chilling clip in particular has left fans heartbroken and the public in disbelief.
A Cry for Help That Shook the Internet
Late last week, a short video surfaced on Bilibili, a popular Chinese social platform, allegedly capturing the actor’s desperate cries for help moments before his fatal fall. The clip — showing what appeared to be Xu’s voice pleading in fear and pain — quickly went viral, sparking widespread horror and confusion.
Within minutes, the video was deleted from Bilibili and other platforms, but not before it ignited a firestorm of speculation. Many users claimed the actor had been “thrown from the window” rather than falling by accident.
Adding to the confusion, a separate video — reportedly showing Xu sobbing and begging for help in the dark hours before his death — was also removed after trending for several hours.
Online forums exploded with debate. Was the footage authentic? If so, what really happened that night?
The Social Media Crackdown
As speculation grew, Chinese authorities moved swiftly to control the spread of rumors. According to Sina, more than 60 Weibo accounts were penalized for posting “unverified and sensationalized information” about the actor’s death.
Over 4,000 posts were flagged or deleted for allegedly spreading false claims or exaggerated versions of events. One widely shared photo said to depict Xu’s “final moments” was later confirmed to be an AI-generated fake.
In an official statement, Weibo warned users:
“Certain accounts have violated platform regulations by fabricating or amplifying false narratives surrounding Xu Menglong’s passing. Temporary bans and content removal measures have been implemented to maintain online order.”
Meanwhile, Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) announced on September 11 that it had deleted over 1,300 videos containing “misleading or harmful content” related to the tragedy. Users who posted such material received formal warnings or temporary suspensions.
A Call for Rationality and Respect
As conspiracy theories spiraled, the People’s Rule of Law Daily, a newspaper under China’s central government, published a rare commentary urging restraint:
“The Beijing police are conducting a full investigation. We call on the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and await the official findings.”
The article further encouraged the authorities to release the investigation report promptly to dispel the growing wave of public mistrust.
At the same time, many of Xu Menglong’s colleagues — including well-known artists such as Sun De Rong, Wang Zhaoda, and Chen Xiaodong — took to social media to demand transparency. They called on police to release surveillance footage from the apartment complex where Xu’s body was found, hoping to end the uncertainty surrounding his death.
A Career Marked by Grace and Gentle Strength
Born in 1988, Xu Menglong rose to fame as one of China’s most charming and versatile actors. His breakout role as Prince Qi Han in the web drama Go Princess Go (Thái tử phi thăng chức ký, 2015) made him a household name.
Audiences admired his androgynous beauty and refined acting — a rare blend of confidence and sensitivity. Over the years, he starred in numerous beloved television hits, including Eternal Love (Tam sinh tam thế thập lý đào hoa), Legend of White Snake, Return of the Heiress, Love O2O, The World of Fantasy, and The Promise of Chang’an.
By 2023, Xu had accumulated over 26 million followers on Weibo. Despite his fame, he remained known for his quiet, scandal-free lifestyle. Colleagues often described him as “polite, soft-spoken, and deeply dedicated to his craft.”
However, reports suggest that in recent years, Xu had faced mounting professional difficulties. His career momentum slowed sharply, and he had not appeared in a major project for three years.
According to industry insiders, he was struggling to secure new roles, and one of his entertainment companies was formally dissolved in late July.
A Mother’s Grief and the Official Statement
Five days after his death, Xu Menglong’s management company released an official obituary confirming that the actor had died on September 11 after falling from a high-rise residential building in Beijing.
On September 16, the company, speaking on behalf of Xu’s mother, issued a heartfelt statement to fans:
“My son passed away tragically. This is an unbearable pain for our family. The investigation concluded that it was an accidental fall while he was under the influence of alcohol. There were no criminal elements involved.”
Xu’s mother pleaded with the public to respect the official findings and avoid spreading misinformation.
“Please remember my son in peace,” she wrote. “Do not share false stories that only deepen our sorrow.”
The family confirmed that the funeral has been completed in private, with only close relatives in attendance.
Fans in Mourning
Despite official explanations, grief continues to ripple through Xu Menglong’s massive fan base.
Thousands have posted emotional tributes on Weibo, leaving virtual candles and heartfelt messages such as “We will always remember your smile” and “He deserved more time to shine.”
Fan clubs have also appealed to the public to stop sharing unverified rumors, urging compassion and privacy for Xu’s grieving mother.
“Let him rest with dignity,” one fan group wrote. “We should honor his legacy, not chase conspiracy theories.”
Between Grief and Doubt
Yet even as the authorities call for calm, doubts persist. Some netizens continue to question how an actor known for his discipline and self-control could have fallen to his death in such mysterious circumstances.
For now, the Beijing police maintain that there was no foul play, and the case has been closed.
Still, the haunting videos — though unverified — and the whispers of cover-ups have left a lingering unease among fans and fellow artists alike.
What remains beyond dispute is the devastating loss of a talented and gentle soul who once brought laughter and warmth to millions.
In the end, Xu Menglong’s story is not just about fame, tragedy, or speculation — it is about the fragility of a life lived under the relentless gaze of the public, and the final words that no one may ever truly hear.
“He cried for help,” one fan wrote. “But no one came in time.”
