Political Stances and Defamation Lawsuit: Host Cheng Hung-i Sued Entertainer Xu Nai-lin Over 'Living Black-Hearted Product' Allegation

Around May 18, 2008, during the sensitive political transition of power, pro-blue entertainer Xu Nai-lin publicly implied during a recording that pro-green commentator Cheng Hung-i was a "living black-hearted product," questioning his political bias and opportunism. Agitated by this remark, Cheng filed a criminal lawsuit against Xu for aggravated defamation and public insult, seeking 10 million NTD in civil damages. The high-profile litigation between the talk show host and the entertainer sparked widespread public debate, with critics slamming how political polarization had degraded public discourse into personal mudslinging, abusing judicial resources for political gesturing. The legal battle eventually ended in December when Xu issued a public apology in court, leading to a settlement. The incident highlighted the chaotic and hostile nature of Taiwan's media environment driven by deep partisan divide.