20-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) Ken Lim Chih Chiang, a former judge on Singapore Idol, has been hit with another charge, raising the total number of charges against him to seven.
The latest accusation alleges that Lim insulted the modesty of a woman during a conversation about a career in music. He reportedly asked her provocative questions such as “are you a virgin?” and “what if I have sex with you right now?”
The incident is said to have taken place on the night of July 25, 2012, at the business premises of Hype Records on Henderson Road. Lim is the owner of the concert promoter, record label, and artiste management agency.
Among the seven charges filed against the 59-year-old, five involve alleged victims targeted between 1998 and 2013, either at his office or his residence.
One charge states that he made inappropriate comments to a female artiste, suggesting that she lacked sexual experience and offering assistance in this regard. He is also accused of showing her a pornographic video.
In another instance, Lim allegedly asked a different female artiste if she was a virgin and questioned her ability to write “deeper songs” due to her supposed lack of sexual experience.
Lim is being represented by lawyers from WongPartnership, including Senior Counsel Tan Chee Meng, Mr Paul Loy, and Mr Calvin Ong.
In response to the recent court mention, the lawyers issued a statement to CNA, expressing their client’s determination to contest the allegations vigorously since his initial charge in March.
The lawyers claimed that despite their client’s readiness to proceed to trial, the prosecution repeatedly delayed the proceedings. Instead, over the past six months, the prosecution has added additional charges, all relating to alleged instances of modesty being insulted based on words spoken 10 to 20 years ago or even earlier.
According to the lawyers, Lim has consistently denied these allegations and is frustrated by the prosecution’s failure to schedule trial dates despite numerous requests.
“While this delay has taken its toll, our client remains committed to defending himself in court and looks forward to proving his innocence,” stated the lawyers.
If convicted of insulting a woman’s modesty, Lim could face a sentence of up to one year in jail, a fine, or both. Molestation charges carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Caning is also a possible punishment, but individuals above the age of 50 are exempt from caning.
Lim is expected to appear in court later this week as the legal proceedings continue.
