Taipei: King Pu-tsung, a former aide to ex-President Ma Ying-jeou, has filed a defamation complaint with the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) over AI-generated videos that he claims have tarnished his reputation. The complaint adds a new layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation.
According to Focus Taiwan, King stood outside the CIB to announce his complaint, describing the content of the videos as containing "false accusations and malicious attacks." He urged authorities to take action against those responsible and hinted at possible further legal steps if needed.
The controversy connects to personnel changes at the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation from late February, when former CEO Hsiao Hsu-tsen, now the KMT vice chair, and former staffer Wang Kuang-tzu stepped down. King denied allegations of receiving whistleblower materials in advance, calling such claims "not in line with the facts."
In a recent interview with United Daily News, Ma cited "issues of financial discipline" as the reason for the departures and mentioned that evidence would be handed over to judicial authorities. Ma disclosed that Hsiao and Wang frequently visited China and interacted with Taiwanese businesspeople, but noted that financial ties were not disclosed to him.
Ma explained that the personnel changes were a result of both internal complaints and findings from the foundation. He questioned Hsiao's assertion that all personnel and pay decisions had Ma's approval. Ma acknowledged his occasional forgetfulness due to age, describing it as a common but non-serious issue.
Hsiao refuted the allegations, stating that the trips to China were focused on youth exchanges and did not involve businesspeople. He suggested Ma might have been misinformed, commenting on Ma's forgetfulness in recent years and expressing helplessness over the ongoing suspicions.
King stated that Ma asked him to manage the situation, but he was compelled to speak out due to ongoing "smears and attacks." He dismissed suggestions of a "power struggle" within the foundation and mentioned that a task force has been set up to verify the facts. He also noted that one individual had taken official seals, which were returned after Hsiao and Wang's resignations were secured.
King declined to comment on Ma's health, stating that only family members should address such concerns. Meanwhile, KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun supported Hsiao, condemning the "unfounded attacks" and assuring the party's support for its members.