Taiwanese Comedian Nono Sentenced to 2.5 Years for Attempted Rape
On May 13, 2025, Taiwanese comedian and television host Nono, whose real name is Chen Hsuan-yu, was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted rape. The 54-year-old entertainer, who has been a prominent figure in Taiwan’s entertainment industry, faced a total of seven charges, including three counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, and two counts of indecent assault. However, he was acquitted of six of these charges.
Background of the Case
The case against Nono gained significant attention following Taiwan’s MeToo movement in June 2023, during which he was accused of sexual harassment by at least 20 women. The allegations led to a halt in his career as the public outcry intensified. The specific incident that resulted in his conviction occurred in February 2011, when he allegedly attempted to rape a woman after offering her a ride home following a television recording.
During the trial, it was revealed that Nono had parked his car in a riverside park and attempted to assault the victim, who later expressed fear of coming forward due to potential backlash in the entertainment industry. It was only after other women shared their experiences that she felt empowered to report the incident.
Court Proceedings and Reactions
The court found the victim’s testimony credible, noting that she had confided in friends and family shortly after the incident, which corroborated her emotional distress. Despite the evidence presented, Nono did not show remorse, did not apologize, and even claimed he did not know the victim, which contributed to the court’s decision to convict him of attempted rape.
While Nono was acquitted of the other charges due to inconsistencies in witness testimonies and lack of corroborative evidence, the prosecution and Nono both have the option to appeal the sentence.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
The sentence has sparked outrage among victims and advocates for justice. Taiwanese influencer Anissa, who has been vocal about the allegations against Nono, expressed her dissatisfaction with the 2.5-year sentence, deeming it too lenient. She, along with other victims, plans to urge the prosecution to appeal the verdict to seek a harsher punishment.
Anissa previously held a press conference in June 2023 to share the experiences of the women who accused Nono, highlighting the pervasive issues of power dynamics and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. One of the more shocking statements attributed to Nono during the allegations was his claim that as long as he did not ejaculate, it was not considered fornication, which further exemplified the troubling attitudes towards consent and sexual violence.
As the case continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against sexual harassment and the importance of supporting victims in their pursuit of justice. The MeToo movement in Taiwan has brought significant attention to these issues, prompting discussions about accountability and the need for systemic change within the entertainment industry.