TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A former assistant to Taiwanese fashion influencer Molly (莫莉) died by suicide at the end of December following intense online harassment, sparking discussions about cyberbullying. The assistant died from a fifth-floor apartment after fraud allegations against her triggered intense online backlash, authorities said. The death has prompted widespread discussions about online bullying and workplace pressures in Taiwan's influencer industry.
In November, Molly's manager Henry issued a statement accusing the assistant of reimbursement errors that allegedly led to significant fraud against Molly's studio. Henry claimed the assistant improperly requested staff to cover expenses and failed to follow reimbursement procedures, resulting in fraud in August. The public accusations triggered intense online backlash and harassment against the assistant on social media platforms.
Molly, known for her candid persona on the TV show "University" (大學生了沒), transitioned to a successful influencer career focusing on fashion and lifestyle content. Her influence peaked in 2021 when she appeared on the digital cover of Vogue, establishing her as a significant fashion figure in Taiwan. Her public actions have faced increasing scrutiny, particularly after a controversial incident at a Gucci event in Seoul in 2023.
During the 2023 Seoul incident, Molly was filmed following Korean star IU and grabbing her arm to greet her, prompting swift intervention by IU's security team. The footage went viral, sparking international backlash against the Taiwanese influencer and drawing widespread criticism online. Molly's delayed apology, which mentioned fulfilling a fan's wish, drew further criticism for deflecting responsibility and fueled additional negative sentiment toward her.