Entertainment personality Aaron Yan was accused of filming and possessing intimate videos of a minor without cause, and was charged with “sexual exploitation of children and minors.” After the case was processed by the Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office, Yan was sentenced to 7 months in prison and fined for producing electronic signals of sexual conduct involving minors, with a 3-year suspended sentence.
The case originated from Taiwanese internet personality Yao Le’s accusation last June 2023, stating that during his underage years, he was in a relationship with Aaron Yan, during which Yan secretly filmed intimate videos of him that were then leaked.
After several months of investigation, the Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office found that Yan met the victim Yao Le in 2017 when he was under 18 years old. Despite knowing the victim’s underage status, Yan filmed intimate videos with him at his residence and shared them with two individuals. Yan was charged with offenses under the “Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Minors Act,” including producing electronic signals of sexual conduct involving minors and possessing images of minor sexual content with the intent to distribute.
The trial took place from December 2023 to May 2024, during which Yan and the victim reached a settlement in March of this year, with both parties signing confidentiality agreements, not disclosing the settlement amount. The fourth hearing was held on May 9, concluding the debate.
On the 30th of this month, the court issued a first-instance judgment, ruling that Aaron Yan should serve a 7-month prison sentence, with the option to pay a fine and a 3-year suspended sentence. During the probation period, he will be under protective supervision and required to fulfill the terms of the settlement. An appeal is possible.
Aaron Yan’s management agency subsequently responded, stating, “We appreciate that during the judicial process, the prosecutor examined the evidence we presented and confirmed that Aaron Yan did not engage in forced sexual activity, filming without consent, distributing videos, or intimidation. The judges also acknowledged that Aaron Yan, due to lack of legal knowledge, actively reached a settlement with the complainant, ultimately resulting in a suspended sentence.”
Aaron Yan expressed gratitude once again to the judges and the public for their attention, saying, “For things I absolutely did not do, I thank the judges for their discernment and for seeing my sincere self-reflection.” Regarding future plans, he stated, “I will abide by my previous commitments and continue to contribute to society through my own influence.”