The Case That Defines China's #MeToo Movement
Zhou Xiaoxuan addresses supporters ahead of her trial last December. Source: LA Times
China’s #MeToo movement faced a major obstacle on Tuesday, September 14, after a landmark sexual assault case was thrown out due to insufficient evidence. Zhou Xiaoxuan, the plaintiff, publicly stated that she will appeal the case against Zhu Jun.
In 2018, Zhou Xiaoxuan shared her account of being sexually harassed in 2014 by one of China’s most prominent news broadcasters, Zhu Jun of China Central Television (CCTV). An intern at CCTV at the time, Zhou described being groped and forcibly kissed by Zhu in his dressing room after delivering food. After Zhou’s post circulated on the Internet, Zhu sued her for slander and defamation. Zhou countersued Zhu, and subsequently became one of the faces of the #MeToo movement in China.
On Tuesday, September 14, a court in Beijing ruled against Zhou based on insufficient evidence against Zhu. Zhou claims that the court gave her few opportunities to obtain evidence and present her side of the story, including denying her request to use security camera footage.
Despite losing this case, China’s #MeToo movement has been empowered by Zhou’s three-year legal fight. Since Zhou brought the case to court, China passed its first Civil Code. The Civil Code included Article 1010, which detailed the responsibility of workplaces, public organizations, and schools in addressing sexual assault and harassment. While the inclusion of Article 1010 in China’s Civil code addresses the role of larger entities, little detail is given as to how they should prevent or address sexual assault and harassment. The Civil Code took effect on January 1, 2021.
In addition to vague policies and procedures surrounding sexual assault and harassment, survivors face heightened censorship. Zhou’s account on Weibo, the platform where she first shared her experience, was deactivated for going against site guidelines. #MeToo activists in China cannot hold organized protests because they face pressure from authorities and attempts to censor their right to protest.
People affected by sexual assault in China have little hope of receiving justice through the Chinese legal system. According to a study by the Beijing Yuanzhong Gender Development, only 34 of over 50 million publicly available court verdicts from 2010 to 2017 focused on sexual harassment. Two of those cases were brought to court by victims suing their harassers, and both were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Zhou’s case has inspired many people across the globe to speak out against perpetrators of sexual assault, but even she admits that she lost momentum and motivation to keep fighting. “They didn’t ask if I would appeal,” Zhou said in a statement following the court’s decision. “I will, but I think I’ve already given this my all.”
Zhou’s exhaustion from her case shows the need for collective action to combat sexism and bias surrounding sexual harassment and assault. While some other sexual assault cases have gathered attention in China, such as the case of Kris Wu, China is still stifling protestors and activists who demand change. Global engagement is needed to create monumental change against China’s government.