The shocking demise of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has sent shockwaves across the Asian entertainment industry and her devoted fan base. The actress, widely recognised for her role in popular drama Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia resulting from influenza during her Lunar Year family trip to Japan. She was 48. The social media is currently abuzz with rumours and speculations about her passing away, and a new report has now suggested that her flu may have a connection to her friends Blackie Chen and Christine Fan.

Barbie Hsu’s death linked to Blackie Chen and his wife

According to a Dimsum Daily report, after Barbie Hsu’s sister Dee Hsu confirmed her demise to a local TV channel, former television host and actor Blackie Chen and his wife Christine Fan poured in condolence wishes for the late actress.

Following Hsu’s passing away, armchair analysts took it upon themselves to get to the bottom of the matter and investigate the timeline of her illness. Shockingly, many have pointed fingers at Chen and his wife, speculating they may have been the source of Barbie’s infection that led to her tragic demise.

According to the report, pointing out the timeline of events, one user analysed: On 22nd January, Christine took to social media that her twin sons were hospitalised with type A influenza. She also revealed that her “dad is also unwell” and “the whole family is feeling poorly.”

However, just 4 days later, on January 26, the couple attended politician Wang Wei Zhong’s daughter’s wedding, where they were seen happily posing with Barbie. Hsu, meanwhile, started showing symptoms of the flu on January 29, right before she went for the vacation with her family.

Netizens lash out at Blackie Chen and his wife

The timeline of events has now sparked a heated discussion online. Netizens are lashing out at Chen and his wife, holding the couple accountable for attending social events while being infected. Some users also pointed out health hazards and safety, saying they should have practiced social distancing and worn masks while experiencing symptoms to prevent it from spreading.

Barbie Hsu’s family shares a statement confirming her death

The news of Barbie’s passing away first surfaced on Sunday, February 1, after an internet personality shared a post about the same. However, many dismissed it as fake news at first, refusing to believe the popular actress’ demise. After much speculation, Barbie’s sister Dee Hsu confirmed the tragic news on February 2, stating, “It’s true that sister Barbie has passed away.”

Meanwhile, Barbie’s grieving husband DJ Koo also responded to the rumours, stating that it’s not fake news and he is heartbroken over the death of his beloved wife.