24th October 2025 – (Taipei) Taiwanese megastar Jay Chou is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against his former friend and magician, Will Tsai, concerning a substantial Bitcoin investment that has allegedly not been returned. Reports from Taiwanese media indicate the disputed funds range between NT$1 billion and NT$2 billion (approximately HK$250 to 500 million).
The situation escalated when Mr Chou issued a public appeal on his Instagram platform, effectively a call to locate the now-elusive Mr Tsai. This was followed by a more direct warning posted to his social media, stating that the magician would “be finished” if he did not present himself. The performer subsequently responded online with an apology, indicating he would be temporarily disengaging from social media and would be uncontactable.
The origins of the dispute trace back to 2024, when Mr Tsai, who was reportedly managing the cryptocurrency investment on the singer’s behalf, claimed the Bitcoin account had been frozen. It is understood that Mr Chou granted a one-year period for the issue to be resolved. That deadline has now passed without the restitution of the funds, and communication has reportedly ceased.
Further allegations have emerged from within the magic community. A fellow Taiwanese magician known as “Jianzi” has come forward, claiming that Mr Tsai has a history of contentious financial dealings. These purported prior incidents include failures to pay collaborators for services or products and outstanding wages owed to employees.
Industry commentators familiar with cryptocurrency trading have suggested that Mr Tsai was known for employing high-leverage trading strategies, which carry a substantial risk of catastrophic losses. This has led to speculation that the disappearance of the funds may be the result of a failed investment strategy rather than a frozen account.
The breakdown marks a notable schism in a friendship that was once visibly close. Mr Tsai had previously been a guest on the celebrity’s travel reality programme, and their interactions were frequently documented on the singer’s social media channels. The investment dispute is also said to have involved third parties, with legal notices concerning the matter reportedly being sent to Mr Chou’s company, JVR Music.
