Anti-fraud activist and TV host square off in battle of Internet abuse

A renowned Chinese anti-fraud activist Monday said he planned to file a lawsuit for libel against a TV host the following day. The pair have been embroiled in an ongoing public argument over genetically modified (GM) food, which has turned vitriolic.

Fang Zhouzi, an expert in chemical biology and anti-fraud activist, said on his Tencent Weibo that Cui Yongyuan, a well-known former China Central Television (CCTV) host, had repeatedly posted insulting messages over the past few months in regard to their disagreement over genetically modified food.

Fang demanded 300,000 yuan ($49,629) in compensation and asked Cui to post an apologetic statement on the People's Daily, Xinhua Daily Telegraph and the website of Tencent Weibo.

Their quarrel began with online discussion over the safety of the GM food. Fang firmly supports GM food being used to feed China, which Cui firmly opposes.

"I still welcome discussions on GM food with Cui. But Cui began to veer off the discussion and instead cast aspersions on me when his poor knowledge of GM food could not win me over," Fang told the Global Times on Monday, adding that he believed a fair judgment would be made by the court "regardless of Cui's power and wealth."

In response to Fang's announcement he was launching a law suit, Cui responded on his Weibo that Fang had little chance of winning. "I have to compliment you that you have finally chosen the right way to resolve the problem. Although I believe you have zero chance of winning, it is a good thing for you to walk the right path."

Fang, also known as China's "liar hunter," is a controversial figure, who, despite his anti-fraud activities, has also been accused of being a rumormonger.

Fang will file his complaint at the Haidian District People's Court on Tuesday in Beijing, he told the Global Times.