Taiwan Internet Celebrity Faces Gambling Charges, Sparks Debate on Double Standards
“I used to be an illegal baseball betting broker,” admitted Holger Chen (陳之漢) in a recent livestream. This surprising confession from the popular Taiwanese internet celebrity has triggered a legal battle and accusations of political double-standards.
Photo: Screen grab from Holger Chen’s YouTube channel
Charges Filed Amid Controversy
The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office responded swiftly, formally naming Chen as a defendant in a gambling case. Prosecutors have indicated that Chen could be summoned for questioning within days. His admission sparked outrage from some quarters, concerned about the impact on Taiwan’s baseball reputation, especially following a recent World Baseball Softball Confederation’s Premier12 victory marred by past scandals involving match-fixing by gangsters.
Two Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City councilors, Chien Shu-pei (簡舒培) and Chen Hsien-wei (陳賢蔚), pressed charges against Chen, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
“Chen’s remarks tarnished Taiwan’s prestigious victory at the Premier12,” Chien stated. “This goes beyond illegal gambling; it stirs up memories of past scandals involving match-fixing. We urge a thorough investigation into allegations of gambling, fraud, and potential contravention of the Organized Crime Prevention Act (組織犯罪防制條例). The law must be upheld, and unlawful deeds must be punished.”
Accusations ofHypocrisy and Double Standards
However, the controversy took a further turn when Holger Chen, during his livestream, publicly called out DPP legislator Chuang Ruei-hsiung (莊瑞雄), accusing him of also being involved in illegal sports betting. Chuang, in a video from a legislative meeting on October 15, seemed to suggest involvement in illegal sports betting.
Chuang, however, clarified his statement, stating he was referring to legal sports betting.
Chen countered, urging Chuang to be transparent and take responsibility for his actions. “You should have just said you were involved in legal sports betting. Instead, you acted hypocritically. Just as I am facing the consequences of my past actions, you should be accountable for yours. Our involvement, whether legal or not, jeopardizes the integrity of Taiwan’s baseball environment.”
Online commentators pointed fingers at Chien, questioning why she didn’t file charges against Chuang, accusing her of a double standard. They argued that Chien overlooked the alleged offense because Chuang was a fellow DPP member.
Do Taiwanese laws treat internet celebrities differently than politicians when it comes to gambling charges?
## Taiwan Internet Celebrity Faces Gambling Charges, Sparks Debate on Double Standards
**Interviewer:** Joining us today to discuss the recent controversy surrounding Taiwanese internet celebrity Holger Chen is Dr. Lin Hsiu-wen, a legal scholar specializing in media law and ethics. Dr. Lin, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Lin:** My pleasure.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Lin, Holger Chen recently admitted to being a former illegal baseball betting broker during a livestream. This has led to criminal charges. What are the legal implications of his confession?
**Dr. Lin:** Chen’s admission is significant because it directly implicates him in illegal activity. [1](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2024/11/30/2003827741) The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office has formally named him as a defendant and will likely summon him for questioning. Depending on the evidence and the severity of his involvement, he could face serious penalties under Taiwan’s gambling laws.
**Interviewer:** This case has sparked debate about potential double standards. Some argue that Chen is being treated more harshly than politicians who have also faced accusations of illegal gambling. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Lin:** It’s certainly a valid concern. The perception of double standards can erode public trust in the legal system. It’s important for the authorities to demonstrate that they are applying the law consistently and impartially, regardless of a person’s social status or profession.
**Interviewer:** Chen’s confession has also raised concerns about the influence of internet celebrities. Do you see this case highlighting the need for greater regulation of online content?
**Dr. Lin:** Absolutely. This case underscores the responsibility that online personalities hold. Their words and actions can have a profound impact on their followers, particularly young and impressionable individuals. We need to have open discussions about ethical guidelines for online content creators and explore mechanisms to hold them accountable for promoting illegal or harmful behavior.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Lin, thank you for sharing your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Lin:** My pleasure. I hope this case prompts a broader conversation about online accountability and ensuring that our legal system treats everyone equally under the law.
