TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese director Doze Niu (鈕承澤) has been charged with sexually assaulting a staff member working on his newest film “Pao Ma,” AFP reports.

The incident occurred on Nov. 24 at Niu’s house after the director invited friends over for drinks. The female victim was assaulted once the other guests had left.

AFP writes Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office accused the director of attempting to evade responsibility “by downplaying his actions and insinuating that the woman is partially to blame.”

If found guilty, Niu could face up to 10 years in prison.

Niu was initially detained and questioned by prosecutors on Dec. 10 last year but released on a bail of NT$1.5 million (US$48,800). He has been forbidden from leaving the country while the case is open.

Prior to today, the director repeatedly denied accusations of sexual assault. He is yet to comment since the charge was levelled against him.

Back in 2014, Niu was handed a NT$15,000 (US$488) fine and suspended prison sentence for breaking a law that forbids bringing Chinese nationals into a domestic naval base. He smuggled Chinese cinematographer Cao Yu into the building to help shoot his film “Paradise.”

Niu is an acclaimed director most famous for the movie “Monga,” which explores the gang culture of Taipei in the 1980s. The film won two Golden Horse awards and went on to become a box office smash in Taiwan.