Malaysian singer and filmmaker Namewee (Huang Mingzhi) is facing harsh backlash after testing positive for multiple narcotics, reviving a decade-old post where he had mocked fellow artists Jaycee Chan and Kai Ko for their drug use. His past statement — “What kind of musician takes drugs?” — has now returned to haunt him, with netizens calling it the ultimate case of self-contradiction.
2014: “Drug Users Can’t Make Good Music”
Back in August 2014, the Chinese entertainment industry was rocked when Jackie Chan’s son Jaycee Chan and actor Kai Ko were arrested in Beijing for marijuana use. Amid the scandal, Namewee posted photos with both artists on Facebook, adding sharp and sarcastic remarks.
Under his picture with Kai Ko, he quoted the iconic line from You Are the Apple of My Eye: “What a fool, so childish.”
He then wrote a lengthy post with Jaycee Chan’s photo, harshly condemning substance abuse:
“A young singer once asked me, ‘Brother Mingzhi, my friend says drugs make music more creative — what do you think?’
I told him: Music requires focus, energy, and discipline. Every note, every mix, every lyric needs a clear mind. Drug users can’t do that.”
Namewee added that real inspiration comes from hardship, not intoxication:
“When musicians are poor, desperate, and trying to prove themselves, they create the most touching music. Drugs? They’re too expensive — for rich people with nothing to do. Those who can afford drugs shouldn’t even bother making music.”
His post ended with a jab:
“Drugs won’t boost your creativity — they’ll just make you HoLangGan (a slang term meaning ‘useless’ or ‘wrecked’).”
The Irony Comes Full Circle
At the time, some accused Namewee of using the controversy to gain attention, which he denied, firing back:
“So drug users deserve sympathy but anti-drug voices deserve criticism? If commenting on a trending issue means clout-chasing, then maybe we should discuss volcanoes when there’s an earthquake!”
Now, 11 years later, the situation has reversed dramatically. According to Malaysian media, Namewee recently tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC (marijuana component) during an investigation related to the sudden death of Taiwanese influencer Xie Youxin.
Police confirmed that the 42-year-old was charged on October 24 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 8.
Namewee Denies All Allegations
Despite the damning test results, Namewee has categorically denied taking or possessing any illegal drugs. His management released a statement saying:
“The case is under judicial investigation and awaiting the official police report. Namewee is fully cooperating with authorities and urges the public to wait for the final findings.”
The revelation has reignited debates online about hypocrisy, morality, and accountability among public figures. Many netizens have reshared his 2014 post with biting captions like “the internet never forgets.”
Sources: ETtoday星光雲
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