Former Mediacorp artiste Ian Fang surrendered at the State Courts on June 16, 2025, to begin his 40-month jail sentence for engaging in sexual acts with an underage girl. Dressed in a black suit and accompanied by his mother, Fang addressed the media, expressing his commitment to taking responsibility for his actions. “I definitely will try my best to be a better person, a better version of myself. It is an expensive and very huge mistake that I need to pay off,” he stated.
Fang’s sentencing comes in the wake of a high-profile case involving a 15-year-old girl, with whom he had sexual encounters on nine occasions between June and July 2024. The girl’s mother has announced her intention to file a civil lawsuit against Fang, vowing to pursue legal action until he is financially ruined. “I will sue him until he goes bankrupt,” she declared in a recent interview, emphasizing that any damages awarded would be donated to charity.
The mother accused Fang of coercing her daughter into a sexual relationship, leveraging his celebrity status to manipulate the young girl. She revealed that the girl contracted human papillomavirus (HPV) as a result of their interactions and expressed dissatisfaction with the current sentencing, advocating for harsher punishment, including corporal punishment. “He must be caned,” she stated, arguing that such a punishment would serve as a deterrent against future offenses.
Legal experts clarified that Fang was not subjected to caning due to the victim’s age at the time of the offenses. Had the girl been under 14, Fang would have faced rape charges, which carry significantly harsher penalties. The mother also expressed confusion over the initial gag order that protected Fang’s identity, suggesting that revealing his name could have encouraged other potential victims to come forward.
This case has sparked widespread discussion about the legal system’s handling of sexual offenses involving minors and the societal implications of such incidents. The mother’s commitment to seeking justice reflects a broader call for accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals in similar situations. Fang, now facing both criminal and civil repercussions, has stated his hope for a chance to prove himself as a better person moving forward.
Image Source: Lianhe Zaobao