Ex-husband reveals NT$100 million penalty clause in divorce agreement; lawyer questions disclosure

Chao Chien-ming, the former husband of former Taiwan first lady Chen Hsing-yu, returned to Taiwan and addressed media inquiries regarding their divorce. He repeatedly signaled his inability to speak freely due to the divorce agreement but then proactively distributed copies of the agreement to reporters.

Chao specifically pointed to Article 8 of the agreement, which outlines a confidentiality clause. This clause stipulates a maximum penalty of NT$100 million for any violation that leads to the infringement of privacy for either party or their relatives. His action suggests he believes Chen Hsing-yu's recent public statements may have crossed a line.

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I can't say anything, you all go and see Article 8 yourself.

Lawyer Lin Chih-chiun analyzed the legal implications, noting that the clause requires not only disclosure, criticism, or defamation but also a resulting infringement of privacy to trigger the penalty. He suggested that Chen's comments, which included details known only to family insiders, might meet the criteria for disclosure and criticism, making them "a bit dangerous." However, he added that whether these actions constitute an actual privacy infringement requires further legal determination.

Lin also pointed out that even if a court finds a breach of contract, it can reduce the penalty, making the NT$100 million unlikely. He raised a separate question: by publicly revealing the divorce agreement's confidentiality clause and the substantial penalty to the media, did Chao himself violate the agreement? This query highlights the complex and potentially self-incriminating nature of the situation.

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This way, doesn't it also count as leaking?