TAIPEI (TVBS News) – Lin Fei-fan, a prominent Taiwanese activist known for his leadership in the Sunflower Student Movement in 2014, announced his withdrawal from the legislative election race on Tuesday (June 13). Lin expressed remorse for the controversies surrounding handling a sexual harassment incident within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In a statement, Lin said, "After careful consideration and extensive discussions with the DPP's Central Standing Committee, I have made the decision to withdraw from the 2024 legislative election. I would like to express my apologies for the controversies surrounding the party's handling of the incident."
Lin emphasized his hope that stepping down would end political interference in the gender equality movement, enabling society to focus on reforming the system for a more equitable and respectful society.
The controversy emerged on May 31 after a former DPP worker shared her experience on Facebook, recounting unwanted sexual advances from a prominent film director under contract with the party. Despite reporting the incident to her supervisor, she faced victim-blaming and discouragement from pursuing the matter.
The woman cited (former) DPP Department of Women's Development Director Hsu Chia-tien, who allegedly failed to take action on her sexual harassment complaint. Lin Fei-fan, the Department of Women's Development supervisor at the time, faced criticism for his alleged involvement in the incident. He explained that he was made aware of the situation but was informed that the accuser had chosen not to pursue the complaint further.
Lin Fei-fan had been running as a candidate for a legislator seat in Taipei's third district, encompassing Zhongshan and North Songshan districts. With his withdrawal, the ruling DPP must select a new candidate to participate in the upcoming election.