Influencer Accused of Sexual Assault Claims "A Teacup Has No Right to Refuse"; Sentenced to 2 Years 6 Months in First Trial

(Central News Agency, reporter Cao Yayan, New Taipei, July 3) A male influencer was accused of sexually assaulting a woman twice last year. After the incident, he allegedly said, "A teacup has no right to refuse" and "Deep down, women actually want to be forced." The court found the man showed no remorse, objectified women, and rationalized his violent actions, sentencing him to 2 years and 6 months.

According to the New Taipei District Court's judgment, the influencer, identified by his surname Yang, frequently posted information related to technology and finance on Facebook. A woman met Yang at a forum gathering last February. Upon learning that the woman was a music teacher, Yang invited her to his residence in Luzhou, New Taipei, to give her vocal coaching.

The woman stated during the investigation that on February 21 last year, she brought an electronic piano to Yang's home for the lesson. While they were alone, Yang used the pretext of teaching self-defense to grope her chest, buttocks, and private parts, and forcibly kissed her. She immediately pushed him away to stop him and left in a state of shock and confusion.

The next day, the woman arranged to retrieve her electronic piano from Yang. She preemptively turned on her phone's recording function and placed it in her pocket for evidence. While she was packing the electronic piano, Yang again made unwanted advances, ignoring her resistance and pinning her down on the sofa to grope her until she scratched him with her nails.

During the trial, Yang vehemently denied the charges, claiming their interactions were normal romantic exchanges and that he had accidentally touched her while teaching grappling techniques.

However, the court reviewed the audio recordings. When questioned the day after the incident, Yang stated, "I took advantage of your good nature to take advantage of you, that was my fault." He added, "Perhaps because of your scent, I couldn't help myself." When Yang made another advance, and the woman said, "Don't touch me," Yang retorted, "Don't move around, and I won't go too far." He continued, "Let's just let our desires run wild."

Another recording revealed that when the woman questioned him again in March last year, Yang replied, "Males have an obligation to desire, and females have an obligation to refuse or flee... It's like pouring water into a teacup; the teacup has no right to refuse. The teacup can move, but it has no right to refuse." He further stated, "Deep down, women actually want to be forced," and "I'm a monkey; once I start, I can't control myself."

The appellate court found that the recordings indicated Yang's actions contradicted his defense of accidental touching. The woman clearly stopped him, yet Yang questioned, "Huh? Why?" and physically restrained her, completely disregarding her right to sexual autonomy. When confronted by the woman, Yang not only failed to admit fault but also spouted absurd theories that objectified women and rationalized his violent behavior.

The appellate court further pointed out that Yang consistently denied his actions, maliciously denigrating and slandering the woman during the investigation and trial. Although Yang expressed willingness to mediate during the trial, he said, "To avoid wasting judicial resources, I can 'flexibly' discuss a settlement with the complainant," demonstrating a complete lack of remorse and maintaining an arrogant, superior attitude.

The appellate court concluded that when faced with the woman's questions and accusations, Yang showed no guilt. Instead, he beautified his violent actions, which infringed upon another's sexual autonomy, as a trial strategy in interpersonal interactions, constantly uttering severely distorted remarks. From beginning to end, he exhibited a dominant and controlling mindset. Not only did he possess severely distorted personal values, but he also lacked the most basic equal respect for others' sexual autonomy. His post-offense attitude was egregious. Under the charge of forced sexual assault, he was convicted of two counts, each sentenced to 1 year and 6 months of fixed-term imprisonment, for a total of 2 years and 6 months. Appeals are permitted. (Editor: Long Baian) 1150703

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