A University of Minnesota student has filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County court against JD.com founder Richard Liu, nearly four months after local prosecutors decided not to press criminal charges, Reuters reported Wednesday.
The student, Liu Jingyao, is seeking compensation of more than USD 50,000 for damages.
“Defendant Liu was physically larger in size and significantly stronger than the plaintiff and used his superior size and strength to subdue and rape her,” according to the court document cited by Reuters.
“We have not yet reviewed the complaint and are not going to comment on pending litigation, but based on the Hennepin County Attorney’s declination to charge a case against our client and our belief in his innocence, we feel strongly that this suit is without merit and will vigorously defend against it,” said Richard Liu’s attorney, Jill Brisbois in a written statement shared with KrAsia.
The student also brought in JD.com as a co-defendant as the billionaire’s alleged actions happened while he was “seemingly” at work-related activities in the presence of two other JD.com employees, said Reuters.
“We are not in a position to comment at this time, but we will vigorously defend these meritless claims against the company,” said JD.com’s attorney Peter Walsh also in a written statement to KrAsia.
Contact the writer at jingli@kr-asia.com
Editor: Nadine Freischlad
