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The real crime connected to Netflix’s 3 Body Problem was the poisoning death of Yoozoo Games founder Lin Qi, whose company held adaptation rights to The Three-Body Problem. A Shanghai court sentenced former Yoozoo subsidiary executive Xu Yao to death for Lin’s killing in 2024; the Associated Press reported in May 2026 that Xu had been executed. The case was connected to the series through business and production ties—not because the show is a dramatization of Lin’s murder.
Who was Lin Qi, the producer connected to 3 Body Problem?
Lin Qi founded Yoozoo Games, a Chinese company that held rights related to adapting Liu Cixin’s science-fiction trilogy. Netflix’s announcement for 3 Body Problem lists Qi Lin among the series’ executive producers. Netflix describes the show as an adaptation of Liu Cixin’s bestselling trilogy, and says its first season debuted on March 21, 2024. Netflix’s announcement provides the production and release details.
The Associated Press reported that Lin was 39 when he died in December 2020. According to AP’s account of the court’s findings, Xu Yao poisoned Lin’s food amid a business dispute; Lin died about 10 days later. AP’s 2024 report on the sentencing describes the case and the court’s findings.
What did Xu Yao do?
Xu was a former head of a Yoozoo subsidiary that AP reported handled business related to The Three-Body Problem franchise. AP said the Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court found that Xu poisoned Lin in December 2020 following a business dispute. The same court account, as reported by AP, said Xu poisoned office beverages between September and December 2020, sickening four other people. They survived.
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AP also reported that Yoozoo granted Netflix the right to produce an adaptation in September 2020, citing Chinese state media. That timing places the crime in the period when the adaptation arrangement was being made, but the reporting does not establish that the rights deal caused the dispute or that it was Xu’s motive.
Why was Xu Yao sentenced to death?
On March 22, 2024, the Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Xu to death for Lin’s poisoning, according to AP. The court’s account, as reported by AP, tied the killing to a business dispute. Netflix’s first season debuted the previous day, March 21; the dates coincided, but the series release was not a part of the criminal case.
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AP reported on May 27, 2026, that Xu had been executed, with May 21 reported as the date by Yicai Global and other outlets. AP said Lin’s company confirmed the execution in a Weibo statement. The company’s statement, as quoted by AP, said: “Recently, the case concerning Mr. Lin Qi, the founder of Three-Body Universe, has finally reached its conclusion, and justice has ultimately been served.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was Lin Qi’s murder part of the Netflix show?
The available reporting establishes a connection through the companies and people involved in the adaptation: Yoozoo held relevant rights, Xu led a subsidiary handling franchise business, and Netflix credited Lin as an executive producer. It does not establish that Lin’s murder inspired the plot or is depicted in the fictional series. The show is based on Liu Cixin’s novels, not presented as a true-crime account.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11That distinction matters: the real case unfolded in the corporate world around the adaptation, while the Netflix series tells the science-fiction story of the source trilogy. The rights and producer connection explains why the case is associated with 3 Body Problem; it is not evidence that the show dramatizes the crime.
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