Former Miss China slams media personalities over defamation charges

Former Miss China Chang Shu-chuan criticized media personalities Chou Yu-kou and Tsai Yu-chen, who face aggravated defamation charges for falsely accusing her of involvement in a scandal involving former politician Chiang Hsiao-yen. Chang stated that media professionals who engage in fabrication should face consequences.

Chou and Tsai were sentenced to one year and six months in prison, suspended, by the Taipei District Court four years ago for their accusations made on a program. The case is currently on appeal at the High Court. Both defendants appeared in court tearfully, maintaining their innocence and claiming the case had caused them significant harm.

Chang, however, countered their claims, asserting that Chou's actions led to her program being canceled due to violations of public morality. She argued that 50-year media veterans who fabricate news should be held accountable and should not continue to hold public platforms. Chang emphasized that the public needs truth and justice, not fake news, and expressed sadness over the alleged collusion between the two media figures.

She urged radio stations not to employ media professionals who spread falsehoods. Chang described her solitary fight and thanked her lawyers, highlighting her desire to prevent others from experiencing similar bullying. She stressed that Taiwanese citizens have rights to freedom and human rights and should not be arbitrarily abused or bullied, criticizing the defendants for hypocrisy while accusing them of a different form of bullying. Chang also expressed concern about the potential for AI to create fabricated videos, calling it a terrifying prospect.