A Singaporean woman has been sentenced to six months in prison by a court in Taiwan after being convicted of stalking and harassing Taiwanese singer Olivia Tsao. The New Taipei District Court found Cassandra Low guilty of coercion and endangering Tsao’s personal safety, as detailed in a court judgment issued on June 5.
Details of the Case
The court revealed that Low, approximately 30 years old, had repeatedly stalked and harassed Tsao, a multi-Golden Melody Award-winning artist known for her work in the Taiwanese language. Their interactions began online, but Low’s behaviour escalated significantly over time.
Since November 2023, Low had been sending Tsao numerous emails and direct messages on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, demanding responses unrelated to Tsao’s performances. After Tsao blocked her on these platforms, Low’s frustration grew, leading her to post threats and insults directed at Tsao, her manager, and her family.
In one alarming instance, Low added Tsao and her parents to a Facebook group chat, where she made threatening statements, including, “I’m a very impulsive person. The more she is stubborn and unwilling to talk, don’t blame me for what I will do to her parents.” She also expressed a desire to “torment the manager to death” and made other threats that caused Tsao significant distress.
Escalation of Harassment
Low’s harassment intensified when she traveled to Taiwan on February 11, 2025. On February 14, she followed Tsao to the Banqiao high-speed rail station, where she confronted the singer, grabbing her luggage and mobile phone strap while demanding that Tsao unblock her on social media. This confrontation resulted in damage to Tsao’s phone and prompted police intervention.
Tsao’s manager expressed concern that Low had been stalking Tsao and speculated that she had been staying near Tsao’s residence, waiting for an opportunity to confront her.
Sentencing and Reactions
The court’s judgment highlighted the psychological pressure and fear that Low’s actions inflicted on Tsao, as well as the damage to her reputation. Low pleaded guilty and expressed remorse during the trial. She was sentenced to six months in jail, with the option of a commuted fine of NT$1,000 (approximately S$43) for each day of her sentence. Following her imprisonment, she will be deported from Taiwan.
Tsao’s lawyer argued for a fixed jail term, emphasizing that Low’s financial situation would make a fine ineffective as a deterrent. However, the court considered Low’s background as a university graduate with a stable job in Singapore and her responsibility to support her family.
In response to the verdict, Tsao expressed relief and gratitude, stating that the court’s decision serves as a reminder for everyone to respect the personal space and will of others, both online and offline. She shared her thoughts on social media, calling the verdict “the most comforting news in recent times.”
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News