Chinese Influencer Fakes Suicide For Attention & Public Sympathy; Claims She Was Harassed for Money

In today’s crowded media space, trying to stand out can be tough.

But it seems Chinese influencer Shi Xiao Nian Oh, aka Sun, has taken things a little too far.

On May 11, a netizen claiming to be Sun’s relative had posted to her Weibo that the 18-year-old had died by suicide after she had been allegedly extorted for 1.3mil yuan (S$236K).

The announcement quickly went viral, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

However, they soon uncovered it was a hoax, and that Sun was still alive and well.

Sun admitted to faking the entire ordeal and had posed as her relative, fabricated the suicide story, and spread it online to gain public sympathy and attention.

Did she actually try to stage her own death for clout?

The police released a statement saying they are now formally investigating Sun’s actions and that she may have violated laws by fabricating facts and disturbing public order.

However, Sun insisted that she only took such drastic action because she had been slandered and harassed online, and that someone tried to extort money from her.

But she admitted that she never paid, didn’t file a police report, and simply blocked the person.

The police said that they are still investigating the accusation.

So yes, she got the attention she wanted. But at what cost?

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping, here are some numbers to call:

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

CHAT @ *SCAPE: (+65) 6493 6500, (+65) 6493 6501

SAF Counselling Hotline: 1800-278-0022

Photos: 8world, Shi Xiao Nian Oh/Weibo