{"id":19868,"date":"2021-09-15T05:59:20","date_gmt":"2021-09-15T09:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/?p=19868"},"modified":"2021-09-15T05:59:20","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T09:59:20","slug":"metoo-china-court-dismisses-landmark-sex-harassment-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/2021\/09\/15\/metoo-china-court-dismisses-landmark-sex-harassment-case\/","title":{"rendered":"#MeToo: China court dismisses landmark sex harassment case"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">A Beijing court has thrown out a landmark sexual harassment case brought against one of the country&#8217;s most famous TV hosts.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">It ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the case against Zhu Jun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The plaintiff had accused Mr Zhu of forcibly groping and kissing her while she was his intern in 2014.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The case helped ignite China&#8217;s #MeToo movement and has led to increased awareness of women&#8217;s rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Chinese courts rarely grant hearings to such cases, and the country only very recently passed legislation that clearly defined sexual harassment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"unordered-list-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1pzprxn-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li><a class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-55140026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The case that could define China&#8217;s #MeToo movement<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-45636196\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">China #MeToo intern sued by accused star<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Zhou Xiaoxuan, who is more popularly known by her online nickname Xianzi, had first come forward with her claims against Mr Zhu in an online essay in 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The piece went viral and prompted many others to come forward with their own experiences of sexual harassment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">She launched legal action against Mr Zhu, a well-known host at state broadcaster CCTV, that same year. Mr Zhu has denied all the claims.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\" data-component=\"image-block\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-15m9t32-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1hq4gmv-Placeholder e16icw910\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/D27C\/production\/_115748835_0a73331e-a30b-48ad-889b-7fe5cb26b479.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Television host Zhu Jun hosts a musical performance in Xian\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" \/><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1rnnz6t-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\">Zhu Jun is a prominent TV star in China (Image: Reuters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Following a final hearing on Tuesday, a brief statement released by the Haidian district court in Beijing said it was dismissing the case as Ms Zhou&#8217;s evidence was &#8220;insufficient to prove claims that Mr Zhu engaged in sexual harassment&#8221; against her.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Mr Zhu has yet to comment, but Ms Zhou has said in a written statement that she plans to appeal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">She also made an emotional address to her supporters, many of whom had gathered outside the court on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">She spoke of the disappointment and exhaustion she faced in a legal battle that has attracted national scrutiny.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">&#8220;I feel I cannot do anything anymore&#8230; these last three years of my life have been so tough, I can&#8217;t do another three years,&#8221; she said tearfully in a video clip filmed and posted online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The 28-year-old faces a separate lawsuit brought by Mr Zhu, for damaging his reputation and mental well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Chinese law expert Darius Longarino told the BBC that the outcome was an example of how sexual harassment or assault survivors in China &#8220;face a steep, almost insurmountable, uphill climb in court&#8221; especially if they lack &#8220;hard&#8221; evidence such as video recordings of the incident, as was the case with Ms Zhou.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">He added that Chinese courts placed the burden of proof on plaintiffs in such cases, which &#8220;not only makes it difficult for survivors to attain justice&#8221;, but also deters them from speaking up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">There have been increasing calls for justice for victims in China. In January a new civil code of law came into force, which clarifies what amounts to sexual harassment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Last week, a court in the north-eastern Shandong province threw out\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-58471978\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">another high-profile case\u00a0<\/a>brought by a female employee of tech giant Alibaba, who alleged she was raped by a manager.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">In July, Chinese-Canadian pop star<a class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-58042353\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a0Kris Wu was arrested\u00a0<\/a>after several women came forward alleging rape and sexual coercion.<\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-58567142\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\">A Beijing court has thrown out a landmark sexual harassment case brought against one of the country&#8217;s most famous TV hosts. It ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the case against Zhu Jun. <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/2021\/09\/15\/metoo-china-court-dismisses-landmark-sex-harassment-case\/\" title=\"#MeToo: China court dismisses landmark sex harassment case\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,2,6],"tags":[4854,3843,1673,2587,4965,8047,8048,8046],"class_list":{"0":"post-19868","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-human-rights","8":"category-news","9":"category-world","10":"tag-metoo","11":"tag-beijing","12":"tag-china","13":"tag-sexual-harassment","14":"tag-womens-rights","15":"tag-xianzi","16":"tag-zhou-xiaoxuan","17":"tag-zhu-jun","18":"pmpro-has-access"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19868"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19871,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19868\/revisions\/19871"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}