Chen Jianzhou has been accused of sexual harassment.
A storm of controversy has swept across Chinese social media platform, Weibo, following sexual assault allegations against Chen "Blackie" Jianzhou, a prominent Taiwanese television personality. The accusations were made by Tina Chou (also known as 大牙).
26 June 2023
In a shocking revelation, Chou detailed her experiences of alleged sexual harassment from Chen during their working relationship, claiming she was even "frozen out" of work opportunities as a result. According to the posts, Chou suggested she had to devise ways to retreat from the situation, feeling cornered and unable to escape.
Chen has responded vehemently to these accusations on his social media platform, releasing a lawyer's statement denying the claims. The statement affirms his support for the #MeToo movement, however, Chen categorically denies the allegations, stating they are baseless and untrue. The statement specifies that the event Chou referred to in 2021 was a group event with no opportunity for private encounters, suggesting that Chou's claims are purely fictitious.
However, some Weibo users have corroborated Chou's narrative. Posts have surfaced detailing Chen's alleged history of inappropriate behaviour, not only towards women but also male celebrities. One user alleged that pop singer Fan Wei Qi has heard similar rumours about Chen.
Netizens reactions to these revelations have varied. Some expressed shock and disappointment, with many fearing that the entertainment industry is filled with people who cannot uphold basic moral standards. Other users were initially confused, mistaking Chen for other celebrities with similar names, revealing the rapid and far-reaching nature of such scandals.
The controversy has not been confined to the sexual assault allegations but has spilled over into political commentary as well. Some users have framed the situation as a form of mutual redemption between Taiwan and mainland China's entertainment industries, pointing out how scandals on both sides often eclipse each other in the public eye. One post suggested that celebrities from both Taiwan and mainland China have alternately dominated the trending topics, drawing attention away from each other's scandals. Such comments reflect the political tension between the two territories.
Further fueling the fire, some netizens have even delved into Chen's personal life. There are posts speculating about the nature of Chen's marriage and questioning his sexual orientation, provoking more confusion and controversy surrounding the star.
As the story unfolds, netizens eagerly await further developments, creating a 'summer drama' out of the unfolding scandal. The incident has certainly sparked a conversation about sexual harassment, personal boundaries, and the realities of the entertainment industry, intertwined with political undertones and cultural debates.