Exo's Lay Zhang wins defamation suit; waives compensation after knowing offender's family background

A defamation lawsuit between Korean boy band Exo's Lay Zhang and a Weibo user, only known as Yang, has come to an end.

Beijing Haidian District People's Court found Yang guilty yesterday (March 5). 

"The words used in the offender (Yang)'s post were very harsh and contained defaming terms and curses made towards Lay Zhang. It is way more than what a public figure should tolerate," wrote the Court's statement.

The court ordered Yang to pay damages of 50,000 yuan (S$10,100) to Lay.

Lay has, however, waived off the compensation after some consideration.

According to Lay's lawyer, the 27-year-old star decided not to pursue the matter since Yang has already made a public apology. The fact that Yang has financial difficulties at home also factored into his decision.

Lay added that he hopes Yang has learned a lesson, and would mind her behaviour online and never let something like this happen again.

WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED

Yang had launched personal attacks on Lay in multiple posts on her personal Weibo account between July 2016 and September 2017.

"Lay Zhang is sure to die suddenly on the streets tonight," she wrote in one of her posts.

Upon receiving a lawyer's letter regarding the lawsuit in January 2019, Yang deleted all her posts regarding Lay, except one - her apology.

"I give my utmost sincere apology for defaming [Lay Zhang] and cursing him. My mindless criticisms, attacks and curses have ruined your reputation - for that, I am sorry," posted Yang.

lynette@asiaone.com