TV host cleared in groping appeal

A court rejected an appeal in a landmark sexual harassment case, dealing a blow to China's fledgling #MeToo movement.

Zhou Xiaoxuan stepped forward in 2018 to accuse popular state TV host Zhu Jun of forcibly kissing and groping her during her 2014 internship at the broadcaster.

Her case inspired many others to share their experiences of sexual assault publicly and sparked a social media storm.

But a court ruled last year that there was not enough evidence to prove Zhou was sexually harassed by Zhu, and her appeal was rejected Wednesday, with the Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court saying it "will uphold the previous judgment."

Police cordoned off long stretches of pavement outside the court ahead of Zhou arrival in the afternoon, with officers logging the details of passers-by.

Speaking after the hearing, she said "victory is not that important to me I accept this outcome."