Japanese Ex-Adult Film Star, 33, Wakes Up in Hospital After Manager Claims She Was 'Drugged While Working'

Former Japanese adult film star Mao Hamasaki was hospitalised in intensive care after reportedly consuming a 'spiked drink' containing four types of drugs at a Hong Kong nightclub. Police arrested one man and are searching for two other suspects.

Hamasaki, 33, who now works as a disc jockey under the name DJ Mao, fell ill during a Halloween event in Tsim Sha Tsui in the early hours on 1 November 2026. Her manager said hospital tests returned positive results for four drugs.

Complete toxicology findings have not been publicly released. Hamasaki regained consciousness and was discharged from Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 2 November, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

Police Search for Suspects

Hong Kong police arrested a 61-year-old man in Central on 2 November on suspicion of administering poison with intent to injure. The man reportedly operated a nightlife establishment in Wan Chai and had invited Hamasaki to another venue in Tsim Sha Tsui. He was subsequently released on bail pending further investigation and ordered to report to police in mid-November.

Investigators were also searching for two additional suspects believed to be involved. According to reports citing preliminary police inquiries, investigators did not believe the arrested man had personally spiked the drink. Officers were examining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence to establish what happened to Hamasaki.

DJ Mao Recalls Sudden Collapse

Hamasaki had completed a performance in Wan Chai before travelling to a private entertainment venue on Mody Road. Her manager said she consumed a sweet alcoholic drink during a party game.

The manager initially believed that the beverage was a cocktail but later suspected it contained drugs. Hamasaki later said she consumed orange-flavoured drinks and noticed cloudy material inside one glass.

She initially mistook the sediment for fruit pulp. Around 40 minutes to an hour later, she developed hazy memory and dry eyes while performing. She said her limbs stiffened after she consumed another drink of the same kind, leaving her unable to move before losing consciousness.

Her manager said Hamasaki experienced severe convulsions, hallucinations and difficulty moving. Emergency services transported her to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she received intensive care.

Hamasaki's manager also said hospital screening returned positive results for four drug categories, with local media reports identifying cocaine, ecstasy and a recreational drug mixture known as 'Happy Water.' The full laboratory findings have not been released.

Recovery After Intensive Care

Hamasaki later confirmed that she was recovering and expected to be discharged if doctors raised no concerns. She subsequently left Queen Elizabeth that afternoon.

In a Japanese-language statement on X, she described the experience as frightening and said she had suffered considerable physical distress. She also described confusion and memory loss surrounding the incident.

Hamasaki added that she intended to cooperate with investigators and urged people to take precautions with drinks in nightlife venues. She subsequently limited further public discussion of the incident while police continued their investigation.

Hamasaki previously worked in Japan's adult entertainment industry before relocating to Hong Kong to pursue a DJ career. She has performed at nightlife venues and appeared in the Hong Kong television comedy Keep Calm and Call Po On.

Authorities have not publicly identified who allegedly administered the substances or determined criminal responsibility.