"When Fans Urge 'Drink Pesticide,' a Chinese Influencer in His 20s Guzzles... A Tragedy"

Confessed Depression but Received Mocking Comments Saying "Prove It"
Suddenly Drank Pesticide During a Live Broadcast Watched by 30,000 People

Chinese famous influencer Luo Xiaomaomaomaozi (left), who had hundreds of thousands of fans. Some malicious comments from netizens posted after he confessed to depression. / Photo by Internet homepage capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A tragic incident occurred where a Chinese social networking service (SNS) influencer with hundreds of thousands of fans took an extreme step. The woman had confessed to suffering from depression, but after some netizens urged her to "drink pesticide," she reportedly took such an action.

According to Chinese media including 'Xinjingbao' on the 18th (local time), on the 15th, Luo Xiaomaomaozu suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed immediately after drinking pesticide during an internet live broadcast.

Rescue teams dispatched after receiving a report transported her to a nearby hospital, but Luo Xiaomaomaozu ultimately passed away while receiving treatment.

Known as a famous SNS personality in China with about 600,000 followers, she had recently mentioned that she was suffering from depression.

She confessed, "On SNS, I appear happy and joyful, but in reality, it is not as much as people think," and added, "Recently, my depression worsened, and I attempted extreme measures twice."

However, some netizens who heard her confession reportedly demanded that she "prove her depression in front of many people." It is also known that some incited her to drink pesticide.

After receiving such requests, Luo Xiaomaomaozu suddenly drank pesticide herself and eventually died. About 30,000 netizens watched her drink pesticide live at that time.

After the incident became known, the cyber team of the local public security bureau launched an investigation. The bereaved family is reportedly preparing a lawsuit against the netizens who directly incited Luo Xiaomaomaozu to drink pesticide.

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