“He Was Beaten Up by Ten or Twenty People”: Rumors Spread Like Wildfire Following Bruce Lee’s Tragic Death in 1973

Published 11/30/2022, 3:15 PM EST

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Actor and martial arts Bruce Lee is one of the most significant media personalities. His impeccable combat skills and impressive looks made him famous throughout the world. Moreover, Lee performed in several Hong Kong-based martial art movies that helped bridge the gap between east and west. As an icon, when people learned about his death at 32, multiple reasons behind his demise began to circulate.

Bruce Lee appeared as one of the most influential icons. He rose to massive fame with iconic movies like ‘Fist of Fury’ and ‘Enter The Dragon’. People began to appreciate the hybrid martial arts techniques he performed in his fight sequences.

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 When rumors spread regarding Bruce Lee’s death

Lee’s death was nothing but a shock for his fans worldwide in 1973. The actor always appeared fit and fine with no health problems, especially in the public. On the day of his demise, Lee was rushed to the hospital due to a fatal headache. Within some time of his admission to the hospital massive rumors spread about his death. Before the actor’s official death announcement, journalists began jumping on conclusions.

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Journalists called up their sources to confirm the news. One of them called Lee’s drinking buddy and assistant director of Enter the Dragon, Charles Lowe. In Lee’s biography, Bruce Lee: A Lie by Mathew Polly (2015), the conversation reads:

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“Someone told me Bruce Lee died in a fight”, the reporter said. “Can you confirm?”
“Rumours!” Lowe replied with a sinking feeling. “It’s just rumors.”
“He was beaten up by ten or twenty people in the Tsim Sha Tsui” the reporter continued, “or maybe you already know”
“You’re crazy!” Lowe shouted and hung up.

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Immediately after the call, a petrified Lowe called Bruce’s residence. However, his eight-year-old son picked up his call and told him that Bruce was not at home. His son assumed that his father was busy shooting.

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How did Bruce Lee die?

There are many reasons speculated behind Lee’s death. However, the 32-year-old died due to brain edema. His brain experienced chronic swelling. He would experience unusual headaches sometimes.

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However, many speculated that illegitimate Chinese groups killed Bruce Lee. According to some theories, he died because the men in his family were cursed with early death. Lee’s death was a controversial affair with many possibilities.

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Watch This Story:  The Real Reason Why Bruce Lee had his Armpit Sweat Glands Removed

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Written by:

Muskan Sharma

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Muskan Sharma is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta. Muskan has worked as a writer for 3+ years but has a knack for filmmaking, too.
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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi