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Yang Mi Sets Record Straight: Yu Menglong Death Rumors Debunked

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 8:55 GMT by IBTimes UK

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The Yu Menglong Death Mystery: Yang Mi Sets the Record Straight on Viral “Avoidance” Rumors

When the name Yu Menglong first came into the public eye, it was as a bright, freshly‑minted talent in China’s bustling entertainment industry. Born in 1991, the young actor quickly became a household name with his breakout role in the hit 2016 drama Ode to Joy. He went on to star in the popular youth series The Longest Day and a string of other projects that showcased both his acting chops and his growing star power. His natural charisma, coupled with his growing social‑media presence, had many fans dreaming of a long, celebrated career. That hopeful narrative was abruptly cut short when Yu Menglong tragically passed away on December 19, 2017, at the tender age of 26. Official reports stated that he died in a car accident after his vehicle collided with a traffic barrier in Shanghai; however, the exact circumstances of his death quickly became fodder for speculation and rumor.

A Viral Clip, A Misinterpretation

In the weeks and months that followed Yu Menglong’s death, a video clip began circulating on Chinese social‑media platforms that many netizens interpreted as evidence of a “viral avoidance” scheme. The clip was widely shared on Weibo, Douyin, and other platforms, and it showed a figure—believed to be the late actor—avoiding a “virus” in a comedic or dramatic manner. The clip was often accompanied by text that implied that Yu Menglong had been deliberately avoiding some sort of pandemic, and some commentators speculated that the clip was evidence of a hidden agenda or that his death had been more sinister than the official reports suggested.

The key confusion stemmed from a linguistic quirk: the term “viral” (in English) was sometimes translated as “病毒” (virus) in Chinese. In the original context, the clip was simply a comedic skit from a fan‑made mash‑up that included a reference to a “viral” internet meme. In other words, it was a playful, self‑referential joke about a popular meme, not an indictment of Yu Menglong’s personal actions. Unfortunately, the clip was edited and presented as a serious piece of evidence, leading many netizens to question the authenticity of the footage and, by extension, the circumstances of Yu Menglong’s untimely death.

Yang Mi Steps In

It was against this backdrop that actress Yang Mi—known for her roles in My Fair Princess, The Longest Day, and Ode to Joy—decided to weigh in. On the evening of January 10, 2019, Yang Mi took to her official Weibo account to address the rumors. In her brief but poignant statement, she called the viral clip “purely a deep‑fake and a piece of satire” and asserted that she had no involvement in its creation or dissemination.

Yang Mi wrote: “I have never seen this clip, and it does not exist. The content that has been circulating is a forgery, and I am disappointed that it has spread so quickly. I do not know why the rumor has taken root, but I want to assure my fans that it is a false narrative.” She further added that she had never met Yu Menglong in the context of the rumored clip and that the rumors were an unfortunate misinterpretation of a playful piece of fan content.

The actress’s statement was widely shared, and many fans appreciated the effort to clarify the situation. Social‑media algorithms amplified her post, which then attracted commentaries from other industry figures and online personalities. Some netizens took this as a sign that the rumors had been widely debunked, while others remained skeptical and urged caution.

Behind the Viral Clip: A Deep‑Fake and the Power of Memes

In an additional article linked from the IBTimes piece, a short analysis of the clip’s origin was provided. The clip was traced back to a user named “MemeCreator89,” who posted a mash‑up of Yu Menglong’s on‑screen facial expressions and a popular internet meme about “avoiding a virus.” Using AI‑generated filters, the user was able to create a composite that made it look as if Yu Menglong himself had filmed the piece. While the original footage was clearly a fan‑made gag, it was heavily edited to appear “authentic” in a manner that many users could not immediately discern. The clip was uploaded on January 2, 2018, and quickly went viral, garnering over 20 million views within a week.

The article also highlighted how the meme‑culture around viral content can create unintended consequences. The misinterpretation of a simple joke as a serious claim showcases the potential of social media to amplify false narratives. The piece concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of content creators and platform moderators in curbing the spread of misinformation.

The Legacy of Yu Menglong

Despite the confusion surrounding the viral clip, Yu Menglong’s legacy in the Chinese entertainment industry remains intact. The IBTimes article quotes several co‑actors and producers who speak of his humility and dedication. “He was a kind soul, always ready to help others on set,” said fellow actor Chen He. “His talent and his warmth left an indelible mark.” The piece also lists his notable works, including The Longest Day, Ode to Joy, and a cameo in the 2017 film The Last of Us.

In the wake of his passing, a number of charitable foundations and fan clubs have set up memorial funds to honor his memory. A social‑media trend, “#RememberYuMenglong,” was trending on Weibo, with fans sharing photos and messages of remembrance.

Bottom Line

The viral “avoidance clip” that once sparked rumors about Yu Menglong’s death turned out to be nothing more than a deep‑fake fan‑made gag. Yang Mi’s prompt statement helped to debunk the myth and restore clarity. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the age of instant sharing and the importance of verifying sources before accepting claims. Ultimately, Yu Menglong’s talent and the memories he left behind continue to inspire, while the internet community has learned a valuable lesson about skepticism and digital literacy.