The Midnight Drama: Richard Liu, a Billionaire, & a University Student in Minneapolis
Picture this: Minneapolis, a quiet apartment, a 21‑year‑old student, and a billionaire…wait for it… Richard Liu. Late one night, a WeChat message blows the lid off a scene all but whispered for weeks.
The Sizzling Threads of the WeChat Confession
- The message arrived at 2 a.m. on August 31.
- In Chinese, the student told her friend she wasn’t “ready” and that Liu was “pulling his weight” in making her feel helpless.
- She begged not to involve the police, fearing Liu’s retaliation.
Right when this slipped onto the internet, a police report shows Liu was arrested that very day on a rape suspicion, only to be released shortly after with no charges filed.
Liu’s Quick Exit: Back to Boring Billionaire Life
Liu, JD.com’s founder, denies any foul play. His lawyer, Jill Brisbois, insists the allegations are out of line with the evidence that “will shine through once the case gets closed.” JD.com’s spokeswoman Loretta Chao teased that the currents of this rumor will be clarified over time.
Law firm Hang & Associates says they’re not sure if their client will file a civil suit, but they’re ready to help prosecutors.
Who’s on the Police Side?
The Minneapolis police pulled Liu in, but after an hour or so, no arrests were made. No comments from the police or Hennepin County Attorney were forthcoming when questioned by Reuters.
More on the Story
No name has been broadcast for the student, protecting her privacy. But two friends and several observers confirmed the timeline, giving us fresh insight into how Liu and the student interacted over two days.
The Dinner Party: Setting the Scene
Liu had set up an “eluate” dinner at Origami Uptown, a Japanese spot in Minneapolis. The party included about 20 men, wine, sake, and a staggering $2,200 tab.
- Liu ordered sashimi by pointing to a menu item and sweeping his hand to say, “Give me everything!”
- He made the crew toast until the night left.
- The woman later confessed she felt forced to drink, calling it “a trap.”
- When the party ended, the group’s debt was almost $2,200.
From Dinner to Distress
The student and Liu headed to a rented house used by fellow execs for networking. They did not enter, but Liu did drag her into his hired car. In a later WeChat chat, she said he started to touch her in the car without her consent.
Around 1 a.m., the alleged assault reportedly took place. The student contacted a friend and later notified the police, who arrived that same night. She explained she was reluctant to file charges while Liu was there, scratching her head on “why a billionaire would be interested in an ordinary girl.” She also said she hoped her parents wouldn’t suffer from this tragedy.
Next Steps
The student preserved evidence, kept her sheets, and went to a hospital for forensic testing. Police, University of Minnesota representatives, and Liu were all present at a university office at 11 p.m. Liu was handcuffed but reportedly calm, only requesting an interpreter. He was released after 17 hours—out of the 36‑hour limit the Minneapolis police can detain a person without charges.
International Ripples
Within days, Liu made a grand exit. He flew back to Beijing, still runs JD.com, and nothing seemed to slow the company’s daily operations. JD.com CEO Loretta Chao highlighted that anyone hoping for a “worldwide condemnation” will see that the company’s projects—backed by Walmart, Google, Tencent—push on.
Takeaway
From a “trap” dinner to a midnight confrontation, a billionaire and a university student fanned controversy across borders. Open questions remain: Was Liu truly guilty? Will the case drag on? The story still plays out behind closed newsroom doors, but one thing’s clear: The case is a flaming headline that can’t be ignored.
