TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese actor Nono Chen (陳宣裕) on Friday (May 17) was charged with sexual assault and the prosecution has requested the court impose a harsh sentence.
Prosecutors determined that Chen harmed six out of seven alleged victims, reported CNA. Prosecutors charged Chen with seven counts of sexual assault.
The Shilin District Prosecutors Office said Chen used his celebrity status and work opportunities to meet the six victims between 2008 and 2013. He allegedly used pretexts such as work meetings, giving rides after recordings, and late-night meals to isolate and sexually assault the women at locations including his residence, hotels, and cars.
Prosecutors said that Chen's behavior demonstrated a lack of self-restraint and moral character and caused physical and psychological harm to the victims. After being accused, his evasive attitude and lack of remorse further aggravated his offenses, prosecutors added.
Given each crime's distinct and varied nature, prosecutors have urged the court to impose severe penalties for each offense.
The case began when a female internet celebrity alleged on Facebook that Chen had groped her in a car. Another internet celebrity, Anisa (小紅老師), also alleged that Chen had harassed her, including forcibly kissing and molesting her.
In June of last year, Anisa and nine others filed complaints with the Taipei District Prosecutors Office accusing Chen of sexual assault and other crimes. Due to jurisdictional issues, the case was transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office for investigation.
However, regarding the complaints filed by three other accusers, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office found discrepancies in the testimony of one complainant and lacked additional evidence from the other two. There were no records of communication between Chen and these three individuals on his phone, leading to a decision not to prosecute due to insufficient evidence.
Two of the three complainants have appealed the decision, and the High Prosecutors Office has sent the case back to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further investigation, which has now been transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office.
