Accused Jaw Shaw-kong of 'abandoning family,' Chou Yu-kou ordered to pay NT$1.5 million

Taiwanese media personality Chou Yu-kou has been ordered by a court to pay NT$1.5 million (approximately $46,000 USD) to Min-Sheng TV in a defamation lawsuit. The ruling stems from Chou's public accusations against politician Jaw Shaw-kong, whom she alleged had committed domestic violence and abandoned his family.

Chou made these claims in September 2022 on Min-Sheng TV's program "Spicy News" and also through online media and social media posts. She specifically accused Jaw of hitting his wife, abandoning his son, and forsaking his family. Jaw subsequently sued Chou and Min-Sheng TV for NT$10 million, seeking damages for reputational harm.

The court examined official records and divorce agreements, finding that Jaw had acknowledged his son from a previous marriage, provided for his education, and agreed not to change the son's surname, while continuing to offer financial support. The court determined that Chou's accusations of Jaw "not recognizing his bloodline" were unsubstantiated and that she failed to conduct adequate due diligence before making such public statements.

Min-Sheng TV was also found liable, with the court ruling that the accusations were not related to public interest and thus not protected by freedom of speech. The broadcaster was found to have failed in its duty to verify facts according to broadcasting laws and self-regulation guidelines. This ruling follows a previous judgment where Chou and Min-Sheng TV were ordered to jointly pay NT$2 million, with Chou additionally liable for NT$200,000. Min-Sheng TV had already paid NT$2.05 million, including interest, to Jaw and subsequently sued Chou for reimbursement.

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You hit your wife, domestic violence, abandon your son, do not recognize bloodline, abandon wife and child.