Taiwanese Director Charged With Sexual Assault

Acclaimed Taiwanese director Doze Niu has been charged with sexually assaulting a female crew member who was working on his latest film "Pao Ma", prosecutors said on Friday.

In a statement announcing the charge, Taipei District Prosecutors Office accused Niu of trying to avoid responsibility "by downplaying his actions and insinuating that the woman is partially to blame".

He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

The alleged assault occurred on 24 November following a meeting at Niu's home in Taipei when other guests had left.

A friend later accompanied the woman to a hospital and filed a police report.

Niu has denied the allegations and has yet to comment since the charge was filed.

But he spoke to reporters in December after he was questioned by police.

"I have faith and hope that there will be a fair trial," he said.

"But there is another public trial going on now and I have already been handed a death sentence."

Before taking a deep bow in front of the cameras, he added: "Doze Niu is dead."

Known for Taiwanese blockbusters, child-actor turned director Niu became famous when "Monga" won two Golden Horse Awards in 2010 and took NT$ 59.32 million at the box office on its opening week, ranking higher than Avatar on the box-office charts. (AFP)