Chinese singer Qu Wanting, 38, who is best known for her 2012 hit ‘You Exist In My Song’, has been keeping a low profile in recent years, especially after her government official mum, Zhang Minjie, was arrested in 2014 on suspicions of corruption.

Mum's the word

According to reports, her mum was initially charged with three counts of corruption, accepting bribes and abuse of power. However, the prosecutors later changed their charges to two counts of accepting bribes and abuse of power.

Wanting’s mum reportedly accepted 350mil yuan (S$70mil) in bribes from individuals who were looking to force low-income workers out from their lodgings.

She also allegedly did not distribute the funds intended to compensate workers for their loss of accommodation. Her actions resulted in the death of a worker, who committed suicide after being left destitute.

However, her case was stuck in limbo for years after her initial trial concluded with no verdict passed.

Laying down the law

Recently, a second hearing was held and Minjie’s appeal against her charges was rejected. She was also sentenced to life imprisonment.

Apart from that, under Chinese law, she will have her political rights, which include the right to vote and stand for election, as well as the right to hold any position in state-owned companies and organisations, amongst other things, revoked.

All of her personal assets and property will also be confiscated.

As for Wanting, it appears that the singer is going about life as per normal.

The singer has been based in Vancouver for the past few years, and frequently updates her social media with snaps of her daily life.

Vancouver living

Back in 2020, she shared a post on Weibo, addressing her mum’s case.

“Sixth anniversary [of my mum’s arrest], with no results yet. I am still working hard, and harbouring a heart that [still] believes in justice. I trust that humanity is definitely wise and just, lawful, upright and honourable. I miss you so much. Sending you so much love.” she wrote.

Her post wasn’t terribly popular among Chinese netizens, who lambasted the singer for “daring to speak up for a criminal”.

Wanting's mum (in blue PPE, on the right) during her second hearing

This time round, the singer has remained silent about the developments in her mum’s sentencing.

But netizens aren’t pleased either.

“And you still have the gall to yell about injustice,” one wrote, while another questioned if the money that Wanting is using in Vancouver came from her mum.

One netizen also accused Wanting of “sucking up the money of others to lead a good life overseas”.

Photos: Qu Wanting/Instagram, PBE Media