The woman at the centre of a viral incident on the Taipei MRT, where she was caught on camera kicking an elderly woman during a heated argument, has publicly apologised and surrendered herself to the police. However, she insists that the act was done in self-defence.
Apology issued after public backlash
The female passenger, who became the subject of widespread criticism online, took to social media to express remorse for her actions. In her post, she acknowledged the controversy caused and apologised for the disturbance brought to the public.
“I have already gone to the police station and completed the necessary records. I apologise to everyone for the trouble caused,” she wrote.
Her post was accompanied by a picture confirming that she had filed an official police report regarding the incident. The apology came after the video of her kicking the elderly woman circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking heated debate among Taiwanese netizens about respect for the elderly and violence on public transport.
Passenger claims she acted in self-defence
According to Yahoo News Taiwan, the woman — who was described as having long hair and dressed casually during the confrontation — defended her actions by claiming that the elderly passenger had hit her multiple times before she reacted.
She alleged that she was repeatedly struck on the knee, prompting her to retaliate out of fear and pain. “It was not my intention to hurt anyone. I was only protecting myself,” she said, adding that she did not expect the situation to escalate so quickly or attract such intense public scrutiny.
The statement has divided opinions online, with some sympathising with her account and others arguing that her response was excessive regardless of the provocation.
Police investigation ongoing
Authorities in Taipei confirmed that the woman had turned herself in and provided her full account of the altercation. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage from the MRT station and collecting witness statements to verify the claims from both sides.
The viral video, which shows the woman kicking the elderly commuter in the leg during a verbal dispute, has reignited discussions about civility and personal safety in Taiwan’s public transport system.
Taipei police reminded commuters to stay calm and report conflicts to station staff or authorities instead of resorting to physical retaliation.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have yet to announce whether any formal charges will be filed against either party.