Liu Jingyao, a 25-year-old Chinese student at the University of Minnesota, made headlines in 2019 when she filed a civil lawsuit against Richard Liu, the founder and former CEO of JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce companies. She accused him of raping her in her apartment after a dinner party in August 2018, when he was visiting the university as part of a doctoral program for wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs. The case sparked a heated debate on social media and in the public sphere, as millions of Chinese netizens followed the developments and expressed their opinions on the allegations, the evidence, and the legal system.To get more news about liu jingyao, you can visit shine news official website.

## The Background of the Case

Liu Jingyao was invited to attend a networking dinner on August 30, 2018, by Hai Tao Cui, an assistant professor at the Carlson School of Management and a former faculty member at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, where Richard Liu was enrolled as a doctoral student. Cui told Liu Jingyao that she could meet influential Chinese businessmen and benefit from volunteering for the program. Liu Jingyao agreed to join the dinner, which was held at a Japanese restaurant in Minneapolis.

At the dinner, Liu Jingyao said she was pressured to drink excessive amounts of alcohol by Richard Liu and other guests. She said he physically forced himself on her while they were travelling in a car and she was too intoxicated to resist. She said he then raped her in her apartment, despite her repeated attempts to stop him. She reported the incident to the police the next day and underwent a sexual assault examination at a hospital.

Richard Liu was arrested on August 31, 2018, on suspicion of felony rape. He was released without bail the following day and returned to China. He denied any wrongdoing and said the encounter was consensual. He also said he had cooperated with the police investigation and provided evidence to prove his innocence.

## The Outcome of the Case

In December 2018, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced that it would not file criminal charges against Richard Liu, citing insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he had committed rape. The office said it had reviewed surveillance videos, text messages, police reports, witness statements, and forensic results before making its decision. It also said it had consulted with four experienced sexual assault prosecutors before reaching its conclusion.

In April 2019, Liu Jingyao filed a civil lawsuit against Richard Liu, seeking at least $50,000 in damages for sexual assault and battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She also sued JD.com for vicarious liability, alleging that the company had failed to prevent or stop Richard Liu's misconduct. She said she had suffered physical injuries, psychological trauma, and reputational harm as a result of the rape.

In June 2021, a public hearing was held in Minneapolis, where Liu Jingyao testified in person and faced cross-examination by Richard Liu's lawyers. She said she had been harassed and threatened by online trolls and supporters of Richard Liu since she came forward with her allegations. She also said she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and had dropped out of school due to the stress.

In October 2021, on the eve of the scheduled trial, both parties announced that they had reached a settlement and agreed to drop their claims. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed to the public. A joint statement issued by their lawyers said that the incident had resulted from a misunderstanding that had consumed substantial public attention and brought profound suffering to both parties and their families. It also said that both parties had decided to set aside their differences and end their legal dispute to avoid further pain and suffering.

## The Impact of the Case

The case of Liu Jingyao and Richard Liu was one of the most high-profile and controversial cases involving sexual assault allegations against a powerful Chinese businessman in recent years. It drew attention to the challenges and obstacles faced by victims of sexual violence in China and abroad, especially when they accuse influential figures with money and connections.

The case also highlighted the differences between the legal systems and cultures of China and the US, as well as the role of social media and public opinion in shaping the narrative and outcome of such cases. The case generated polarized reactions from Chinese netizens, who either supported or criticized Liu Jingyao for her courage or motives. Some praised her for standing up for her rights and seeking justice, while others accused her of lying or extorting money from Richard Liu.