TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TPP member Mao Chia-ching (毛嘉慶) said Wednesday he has filed a criminal defamation complaint against a reporter over a media report alleging he sexually harassed a party worker.

Mao, who joined the TPP in 2025 after being expelled from the KMT for violating party rules, is seeking the party’s nomination to run for Taoyuan city councilor in Zhongli District. He faces two other contenders in the party primary, per ETtoday.

An ETtoday report alleged that Mao engaged in inappropriate conduct toward a TPP worker before he formally joined the party. The report said the alleged victim raised the issue during a TPP banquet.

The individual who filed the complaint with the party reportedly said that although the incident occurred before Mao became a TPP member, his bid to run under the party’s banner made it necessary to report the matter. The report said the party has referred the complaint to its disciplinary committee to safeguard the rights of those involved.

Mao denied the allegations and criticized the reporting, saying it was intended to interfere with the party’s primary election and undermine supporter morale, per UDN. He noted the report failed to adequately present his side of the story.

Mao added that he has filed a criminal complaint against reporter Chen (陳), who authored the article, alleging defamation.

The TPP confirmed it had received the complaint, per CNA. Party Spokesperson Chang Tong (張彤) said the disciplinary committee has begun reviewing the case.

TPP disciplinary committee Chair Li Wei-hua (李偉華) called on all parties to refrain from attacks or speculation during the investigation, citing the need to protect the privacy and rights of those involved.