Kaohsiung: Taiwanese screenwriter Tsai Kuen-lin denied accusations of sexual harassment on Friday, following the termination of his contract with the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Cultural Affairs. The severance of ties occurred a day after allegations surfaced against Tsai, accusing him of inappropriate conduct towards a female student in a 2020 screenwriting course.
According to Focus Taiwan, the cultural bureau ended Tsai’s involvement in the “screenwriter practical connection project” after the student alleged harassment. The city’s Department of Social Welfare is reviewing the case, stating that confirmed offenses could result in fines ranging from NT$10,000 (US$330) to NT$100,000 for ordinary cases, and NT$60,000 to NT$600,000 for power-related offenses under the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act.
The student claimed that post-course, Tsai invited her to collaborate on a script and sent messages filled with sexual innuendo. After rejecting his advances, she alleged that Tsai misused his industry influence, threatening her career and emphasizing his long-term presence in the industry. Through her lawyer, she released screenshots of the messages, one of which suggested that her future opportunities could be compromised due to Tsai’s influence.
Tsai, in a Facebook statement, refuted the allegations, asserting that he never abused his power or engaged in any form of sexual misconduct with Miss C, the pseudonym used for the student. He also denied any inappropriate behavior with other colleagues or juniors in the industry.
He provided his correspondence with the student, claiming the sexual dialogues were part of scriptwriting discussions, as she intended to explore themes of sex, diseases, love, motherhood, parenthood, and intimate relationships. Tsai argued that his interactions were supportive and aimed at helping her analyze her creative material.
While acknowledging that the dialogue might not dispel all suspicions, Tsai emphasized that it showed the student did not “fear” or “evade” him over an extended period. Tsai is notably one of the writers of the acclaimed 2024 horror-comedy movie “Dead Talents Society,” which has gained international recognition and numerous awards in Taiwan.
