A livestreamer in China has been found dead 12 hours after filming a drinking video, sparking calls for tougher regulations of the country's booming livestreaming industry. User Brother Three Thousand, was notable for drinking alcohol on China's version of TikTok, Douyin.
The 34-year-old, whose last name is Wang, according to local media, specialised in drinking the Chinese alcohol Baijiu on his streams. The drink often has an alcohol level of up to 60 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume). In comparison, a classic bottle of Black Label Jack Daniel's Whiskey is 40 percent ABV.
BBC News reports that on May 16, Wang "participated in four one-on-one battles, where influencers compete with each other to earn the most amount of gifts from fans in a short window of time."
After losing three rounds, he had to drink bottles of Baijiu as punishment. Viewers said he drank at least seven bottles that night. Wang ended his stream after midnight local time and was found dead 12 hours later.
BBC News reports that a local man named Mr Zhao told Shangyou News: "When his family found him, he was already gone, he didn't even get a chance for emergency treatment."
Chinese TikTok drinking bans
Drinking alcohol during livestreams was already banned, but this has not stopped many from doing so on the platform. Wang had previously been banned from the app for drinking, but simply opened new accounts. His most recent username had more than 44,000 followers.
He is just the latest Chinese Douyin user whose death has been linked to the app. In 2021, Yu Hailong died after "long hours of high-intensity work". Hailong became popular on the app after eating excessive amounts of food.
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Back in 2018, a streamer called Dafei died shortly after a broadcast. The user became an online hit after drinking alcohol and cooking oil on camera.
Deadly TikTok trends
There have been a number of risky and potentially deadly trends on TikTok since its rapid rise in users. Just some of which we've listed here, starting with the Kia Challenge.
This 'challenge' sees TikTok users follow simple instructions uploaded to the platform, which describe how to easily bypass some Kia and Hyundai car security systems. It then allows them to start the car and drive off. In New York, a particularly tragic consequence of the Kia Challenge occurred, after four of six teenagers who stole a vehicle died in after crashing the car.
Kia and Hyundai have since agreed a massive $200million settlement to nine million drivers who have at risk vehicles.
The Blackout Challenge has seen children asphyxiate themselves to the point of temporary unconsciousness. Fox News reports the trend has been linked to the deaths of about "20 minors" in recent months.
The Benadryl Challenge encouraged the consumption of the over-the-counter medication. Posts circulating on TikTok called for the excessive consumption of Benadryl to induce a hallucinogenic high. However, abuse of the drug has seen some develop heart problems, have seizures, enter comas and even die.
