Chen Jianzhou drops Lawsuit Against Daya Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
In an unexpected turn of events, Taiwanese celebrities Chen Jianzhou and Fan Weiqi have withdrawn their lawsuit against Da Ya, a fellow artist, following their prior demand of 10 million New Taiwan Dollars and a public apology over sexual harassment allegations. This announcement has sparked heated debates on China's microblogging site Weibo, with netizens offering a variety of opinions on the matter.

24 July 2023
Chen Jianzhou and Fan Weiqi, collectively known as "Fanjian" by their fans, initially filed the lawsuit as a response to Da Ya's accusation of sexual harassment. This high-profile case had led to widespread discussion on social media, with several female artists stepping forward to support Da Ya, and condemn Chen's alleged actions. However, the sudden withdrawal of the lawsuit has left many netizens speculating on the reasons behind the decision.
A number of Weibo users suggest that the withdrawal might have been triggered by Da Ya presenting compelling evidence. Comments like "Da Ya must have brought out hard-core evidence, they got scared…" and "I guess it's because they realized they couldn't win…" are prevalent in the discussion. Some speculate that Chen and Fan withdrew their lawsuit because they were afraid of more severe consequences if Da Ya indeed had decisive evidence.
Further amplifying the complexity of the situation, some netizens believe that the lawsuit withdrawal indicates a shift from a civil lawsuit to a criminal one, as indicated by one user stating, "They've withdrawn the lawsuit against Da Ya, changing it to a criminal lawsuit now…" Such speculations have intensified the suspense surrounding the case, leaving many eagerly awaiting future developments.
Others express criticism towards the couple, accusing them of using the lawsuit as a mere public relations tactic. One user remarked, "The lawsuit was just a PR move. When they saw it wasn't working, they withdrew." This sentiment mirrors a broader discussion about the responsibility of celebrities, with suggestions that a licensing system for actors be established, involving exams and regular evaluations.
Despite the diverse opinions, there is a general sense of dissatisfaction among Weibo users over the couple's actions, with many arguing that an admission of guilt would have been more appropriate if they were in the wrong. As one user put it, "They shouldn't have filed the lawsuit in the first place if they were wrong, why put up this act?"
As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this dramatic twist in the case will impact the reputations of the celebrities involved and the wider discourse on sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.
