Jay Chou sues Chinese for compensation
By Matthew Strong
Taiwan News, Staff Writer
2015-09-18 03:25 PM
Central News Agency (2015-09-18 21:25:38)
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou is suing a Chinese citizen for 600,000 yuan (NT$3 million) in compensation after the person described him online as a traitor, reports said Friday.
Chou has a huge following across Asia and starred in several movies, including the Hollywood production “The Green Hornet” with comedian Seth Rogen and Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz.
According to reports in the Chinese media, an article appeared online in early June describing Chou as a traitor who sold out his country. The pop star denied he was Chinese and insisted he was Taiwanese, while his grandparents were Japanese citizens, the article went on.
In a statement filing his case with the court, Chou said the piece was packed with lies and formed a gross personal attack on his character. The author should withdraw the piece, publish apologies in the media and pay a total of 600,000 yuan in damages, the statement said.
According to the Chinese media, a court in Beijing’s Chaoyang District had confirmed it was dealing with the case.
Before Chou’s case, several other Taiwanese singers and entertainers were also targeted online in China for emphasize their Taiwanese origin and citizenship. China claims Taiwan is not a sovereign and independent nation but a wayward province which should be unified with the communist country.
Most Taiwanese entertainers targeted in such a way offer apologies or downplay the accusations, but unlike Chou, few have taken their case to court in China.
