Chang Shu-chuan kneels for justice after reduced sentences for defamation
Former Miss Republic of China Chang Shu-chuan broke down in tears and knelt on September 30, 2026, demanding justice after an appellate ruling reduced the prison sentences for media personalities Zhou Yu-kou and Tsai Yu-chen over a false 2022 scandal linking her to Chiang Hsiao-yen.
Appellate Ruling Reduces Sentences for Media Figures Zhou Yu-kou and Tsai Yu-chen
The legal fallout from the 2022 mayoral election campaign reached a dramatic milestone when the Taiwan High Court issued its ruling on September 29, 2026. The appellate court reviewed the convictions of media personality Zhou Yu-kou and commentator Tsai Yu-chen, who had previously been found guilty of violating the Personal Data Protection Act and defamation. The original trial at the Taipei District Court had sentenced both defendants to one year and six months in prison.
The High Court adjusted those terms. Zhou Yu-kou received a reduced sentence of nine months in prison, while Tsai Yu-chen was sentenced to six months with the option of a fine equivalent to commutation, reflecting the court’s view that the initial sentencing was overly harsh, despite noting Zhou’s prior defamation record and lack of remorse. The case remains open to appeal at the Supreme Court.
Four Years of Legal Battles and Personal Toll
Standing alongside Legislator Wang Hung-wei during a press conference in Taipei on September 30, 2026, Chang Shu-chuan detailed the severe personal consequences of the unverified claims made during the 2022 nine-in-one local elections.
Chang expressed deep anguish over the four-year ordeal, noting that the relentless media attention turned her private life into daily broadcast drama. She emphasized that her parents have since passed away, sparing her mother the daily stress of the litigation, but described her own survival through the scandal as crawling back from the gates of hell. She maintained that the defendants acted as co-conspirators who damaged her reputation for political gain.
Public Plea for Judicial Integrity
The emotional apex of the morning press conference occurred when Chang stepped away from her seat, dropped to her knees, and cried out for the High Court to restore her dignity and clean record. She stated that she had lived a quiet, retired life centered on painting, but feared that her artwork had been permanently tainted by association with the baseless allegations.
Legislator Wang Hung-wei supported Chang.