The Taipei District Court yesterday began hearings in a case involving former vice president Lien Chan’s (連戰) daughter, Lien Hui-hsin (連惠心), who allegedly publicly insulted a Next Magazine reporter in 2013.
Lien Hui-hsin was indicted for insulting the reporter, surnamed Lee (李), by calling her a “psycho” when Lee attempted to ask Lien Hui-hsin a question about her involvement with a nutritional supplement company whose weight-loss pills were found to contain unauthorized drugs.
Lien Hui-hsin said that the case was a “misunderstanding” and alleged that Next Magazine, in an attempt to force her to settle out of court, had sent her a letter of attestation she felt was threatening.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office said Lien Hui-hsin appeared at the prosecutors’ office in October 2013 as part of an investigation into the Wellslim pills case and was intercepted by Lee as she was visiting the restroom during a break in the questioning.
Lee asked a question about materials printed in the magazine, but Lien allegedly muttered to herself: “What are you talking about?” and “Psycho” before walking back into the room, the office said.
Lien Hui-hsin yesterday told the court that the incident was all a misunderstanding, that she did not know Lee and had not even seen her that night.
Even if she said the word “psycho,” it was in reference to the case during a discussion with her lawyer, and not aimed at Lee personally, Lien Hui-hsin said.
Lien Hui-hsin said Next Magazine had sent letters of attestation for trumped-up charges, saying that if the Lien family did not settle out of court they would “take action” against her then-six-month-old nephew.
Lien Hui-hsin’s lawyer said that the magazine’s offer for an out-of-court settlement was NT$500,000 in reparations, as well the invalidating of an 2006 agreement — in which the magazine agreed to confirm facts with the Liens before reporting anything regarding the family.
Two reporters, surnamed Lu (呂) and Lai (賴), testified in court, but the court considered the claims tainted as both are employees of the Next Media group.
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