Screenwriter Zhou Xiaoxuan speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Beijing, China, detailing her involvement in China's #MeToo movement
A WOMAN whose lawsuit against a popular TV host for sexual harassment goes to trial in Beijing tomorrow says she hopes the case will encourage more Chinese women to come forward.
Zhou Xiaoxuan accuses Zhu Jun, a wellknown host on China Central Television, of having groped and forcibly kissed her in 2014 and demands a public apology and 50,000 yuan (£5,000) in damages. Mr Zhu denies the charge and has counter-sued for defamation.
“There are very few sexual harassment cases that get to a court hearing,” Ms Zhou said today. “We hope each individual case can be a type of push forward.”
The case is attracting attention as China only introduced specific laws against sexual harassment in its new civil code this year. Previously claims had to be pursued under workplace rights regulations.
Sexual harassment in the workplace was in the headlines last month following the death sentence handed to Li Fengping, a nurse, for killing and cooking a doctor she said had repeatedly blackmailed her into having sex with him. Her sentence is being appealed at the Supreme People’s Court.
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