TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih issued an apology on Tuesday (Dec. 12) to foreign policy expert Bonnie Glaser for using her photo without consent in a political promotion. Hou confirmed the removal of the photo from the campaign's advertising series.
The incident occurred during a press conference where Hou unveiled his national defense and foreign policy plans. A photo of him with Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, was displayed alongside policy content.
Glaser quickly clarified that she had not endorsed Hou and requested that her photo and statements not be used to suggest otherwise.
In response, Hou posted an apology on social media, expressing regret for not notifying Glaser in advance and thanking her for co-hosting the session at Brookings Institution.
This incident underscores the importance of respecting individuals' consent and the sensitivity surrounding the use of images in political campaigns, especially in international contexts.