Taitung County government removes controversial 'possessed' woman video

A promotional video featuring a woman claiming to be possessed by the deity Ji Gong, aired on an official Taitung County government program, has been swiftly removed following public backlash. The woman, identified as Wu Hsin-ju, who also claims to communicate with aliens, appeared on the program "Youth Dong Dong Qiang" last year.

County Councilor Chien Wei-kuo criticized the government's decision to quietly take down the video, stating it was an inadequate response. He argued that removing the content without a clear explanation suggests the government knew it was problematic but avoided addressing it directly. Chien emphasized that while individual religious beliefs are diverse, featuring such content on an official government platform implies endorsement.

“

Removing the content without a clear explanation suggests the government knew it was problematic but avoided addressing it directly.

Chien urged Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling to publicly clarify that the video does not represent the government's stance. He also called for transparency regarding the vetting process for guests on the "Youth Dong Dong Qiang" program and improvements to its oversight mechanisms. The councilor acknowledged the program's positive intent to engage youth but stressed the need to protect its credibility from being undermined by inappropriate content.

Some citizens expressed concern that public funds supported an official online program that broadcasted what they deemed as absurd religious performances and unscientific claims about aliens. They felt the government failed in its public communication responsibilities by allowing such content, which was allegedly framed as an inspirational story about youth pursuing destiny, to be aired on an official channel.

“

The government failed in its public communication responsibilities by allowing such content... to be aired on an official channel.