These pesticides and herbicides have been linked to causing an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, according to the notice. Wei also contends that she requested MSU provide personal protective equipment and establish proper training protocols, but such requests were ignored.

"MSU's Olin Health Center further failed Ms. Wei and did not provide any remedy for her chemical exposure," according to the notice. "MSU’s gross negligence has caused Ms. Wei significant physical, emotional, and financial harm."

MSU spokesperson Mark Bullion declined to comment on the lawsuit.

In the notice, Wei’s attorneys, Maya T. Green and Tilmandra Wilkerson, demanded a $100 million settlement to compensate for:

• Medical expenses (past, present and future)
• Psychological treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement and physical impairment
• Punitive damages due to MSU’s willful disregard for safety

On July 11, 2024, Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, following a thyroid biopsy which identified cancerous cells on June 26, 2024. Since then, she has undergone a series of medical procedures and surgeries to treat her cancer. The continuous treatments, surgeries, check-ups, blood tests, oncology and endocrinology appointments, while necessary, have significantly interfered with her life, according to the notice.

Before receiving her cancer diagnosis, Wei unknowingly experienced chronic malaise and low energy levels due to prolonged exposure to the pesticides and herbicides, the notice said. Since then, she had to miss out on work opportunities due to treatments and procedures she had to be present for.

"Due to her continuous treatment, follow-up appointments, blood tests, and therapy, Ms. Wei cannot work for any extended period of time, or travel to auditions in other cities, states, or countries for the foreseeable future," according to the notice. "Also preventing Ms. Wei from traveling to be near her family, her main support system, who are still in China."

The notice alleged MSU has failed to comply with fundamental safety protocols and governmental regulations. 

In November, The State News reported that a notice of intent to sue MSU was filed in October 2024 against MSU's Board of Trustees, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department of Horticulture and the Office for International Students and Scholars.