In a devastating turn of events, Ryuchell, a popular Japanese TV personality, was discovered deceased by their manager at the agency’s office in Tokyo. The 27-year-old’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but authorities are investigating the possibility of suicide.
Ryuchell, known for their genderless style and influential presence, gained significant attention after marrying fellow model Peco in 2016. The couple later welcomed a son into their lives. However, in August 2022, Ryuchell publicly announced that they no longer identified as male, leading to a divorce from Peco and facing harsh criticism online.
Following the divorce, Ryuchell expressed their intention to continue living with Peco and their son. However, they faced relentless backlash from online communities, accusing them of being an absent father and challenging their decision to come out. Despite the negativity, Peco defended Ryuchell’s journey of self-discovery and showed support in a YouTube video released in February, emphasizing her acceptance of Ryuchell’s evolving sexuality.
Ryuchell’s prominence as an LGBT figure in Japan made them a target of online harassment campaigns, particularly focusing on their personal life and gender non-conformity. The news of their death has sparked widespread discussions, with hashtags related to Ryuchell and character assassination trending on Japanese social media platforms.
As of now, Peco and their son are reportedly overseas. Peco recently shared a picture of a cake to celebrate their son’s fifth birthday, but the family has yet to release a statement regarding Ryuchell’s passing. The tragic loss of Ryuchell has left fans, friends, and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a beloved and influential figure.