Defamation lawsuit against journalist Gao Bing Chen

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge awarded $275,000 in damages to journalist and commentator Gao Bing Chen following a defamation lawsuit. The ruling addresses a period of intense harassment and protests directed at Gao’s Surrey home.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Yun Fei Zhu used livestreams to make defamatory claims, accusing Gao of being a spy or agent for the Chinese government. The court found no evidence to support allegations of treason or criminal conduct. The harassment included a group of up to 60 people gathering outside Gao’s residence for 11 weeks, playing funeral music, and distributing pamphlets. The demonstrations were livestreamed to audiences of up to 100,000 viewers.

The conflict reportedly originated from Gao’s criticism of Guo Wengui, an exiled Chinese businessman. The judge determined the statements caused Gao severe distress and damaged his standing within the Chinese-Canadian community. The total award consists of $250,000 in general damages and $25,000 in aggravated damages.