Chinese pop singer Tian Zhen won a libel action recently against a newspaper in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province.
The verdict, accepted by both sides, ordered the paper to give Tian 30,000 yuan (about US$ 3,488) in compensation and to offer a public apology.
The local daily, Nanjing Morning, published an article on August 27 this year, quoting anonymous sources as making comments on Tian's lack of professionalism, such as "never cooperate with Tian Zhen, who can give you a nervous breakdown."
The plaintiff called the article "a thorough insult" and the newspaper refused to provide names of the sources, saying journalistic ethics hold that sources should be protected.
Tian demanded compensation of 1.2 million yuan (US$140,000), claiming the article had caused companies not to cooperate with her and led to the cancellation of negotiations for her concert in Nanjing.
Since her debut in 1987, the singer has distinguished herself in recordings of nearly a hundred songs of diverse styles.
(People’s Daily December 17, 2001)
