Lawyer’s LinkedIn post on sexual assault case raises concerns, leading to public outcry

A LinkedIn post by Chia Boon Teck, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, has triggered backlash from legal professionals and women’s rights groups. His comments on a sexual assault case were widely seen as victim-shaming, drawing sharp criticism from Minister for Law K Shanmugam and others in the legal community.

Chia’s post addressed the conviction of Lev Panfilov, a former actor found guilty of rape, molestation, and sexual assault. His remarks about the victim raised concerns about victim-blaming and have led to a call for his resignation from the Law Society, with multiple legal figures expressing their disapproval.

Chia’s Controversial LinkedIn Post on Sexual Assault Case

Chia Boon Teck, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, sparked outrage when he posted controversial comments on LinkedIn about a recent rape case. The comments were made regarding the conviction of Lev Panfilov, a former actor, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting and raping a woman he met on Tinder in 2021. In his post, Chia raised questions about the victim’s testimony and criticized her actions during the night of the assault, a move seen by many as victim-shaming.

Chia’s comments were particularly troubling given his position in the legal community. His remarks, which questioned the victim’s credibility and personal behavior, suggested that the woman could have been responsible for the assault due to her choices that night. Chia referred to the woman’s career as an actress and model, implying that she should have been more cautious given her profession. His comments, such as “Wow. Was she awake throughout the marathon?” and questioning why the victim gave her address to Panfilov, raised serious concerns about the attitude of senior members within the legal profession.

Criticism from Legal Professionals and Advocates

The post quickly drew criticism from prominent legal figures, including Stefanie Yuen Thio, joint managing partner of TSMP Law Corporation. Yuen Thio condemned Chia’s remarks, describing them as “victim-shaming” and a violation of professional ethics. She stated that Chia’s behavior went against the court’s standards for appropriate cross-examination, which is meant to be respectful of victims. Other legal professionals, including criminal lawyer Shashi Nathan, echoed similar sentiments, calling for Chia to step down from his position within the Law Society. Women’s rights group AWARE also expressed their disapproval, arguing that such comments perpetuate harmful victim-blaming narratives, further discouraging survivors from coming forward.

AWARE’s statement further emphasized the danger of such public comments, noting that when a senior lawyer mocks a rape victim, it undermines public trust in the justice system. They argued that victim-blaming comments from individuals in influential positions can discourage survivors from reporting their assaults, perpetuating a culture of silence and injustice. AWARE also called for greater protection and support for sexual assault survivors to help them seek justice without facing additional trauma or shame.

Minister Shanmugam Weighs In

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam expressed his surprise and concern over Chia’s comments, stating that such remarks should have no place in society, especially from someone in a position of legal leadership. Shanmugam emphasized that victim-blaming undermines the progress made in protecting sexual assault victims and could discourage others from reporting their experiences. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the government to improve the legal system, making it easier for victims to seek justice without facing additional barriers or shame.

Minister Shanmugam’s statement focused on the broader impact of such comments, noting that they could set a dangerous precedent for other victims of sexual assault. He stressed that the Singaporean legal system has evolved to better protect and support survivors of sexual assault, pointing to legislative changes designed to improve victims’ access to justice. The minister reiterated that those in senior legal positions, like Chia, must be mindful of their influence and the potential consequences of their words.

Chia’s Apology and Clarification

In response to the backlash, Chia took down his post and issued a statement clarifying his intentions. He explained that his original post was meant to raise awareness about the importance of situational awareness to prevent assault and accusations, not to blame the victim. However, his explanation has done little to quell the anger from the legal community and advocacy groups, who argue that his comments still reflected an inappropriate attitude towards sexual assault victims.

Chia’s apology did not appease many of his critics, who argued that his post had already caused significant harm. Despite his clarification, the damage to his professional reputation was substantial, and many questioned whether he was truly sincere in his response. Several legal professionals called for Chia to be held accountable for his comments, stressing that his position within the Law Society required him to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Law Society Responds with Disciplinary Action

The Law Society of Singapore issued a statement distancing itself from Chia’s comments, affirming that they did not represent the views of the organization. The Law Society also indicated that they would be taking further steps in line with their internal protocols, ensuring that such remarks do not tarnish the reputation of the legal profession. In the face of growing pressure, Chia ultimately resigned from his position as vice-president and council member, a move that was accepted by the Law Society’s president.

The Law Society’s response highlighted the importance of maintaining high ethical standards within the legal community and sent a message that victim-blaming and inappropriate behavior would not be tolerated. The resignation of a senior office-bearer was seen as a necessary step in upholding the integrity of the profession and restoring public trust in the legal system.

The fallout from Chia Boon Teck’s comments has sparked an important conversation about victim-blaming, legal ethics, and the responsibility of those in leadership positions. As the legal community grapples with this controversy, it highlights the need for continued progress in protecting the rights of sexual assault victims and upholding the principles of justice and professionalism within the legal field.

Sources: CNA (2025), South China Morning Post (2025), Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Chia Boon Teck, Rape Conviction, Singapore Lawyers, Victim Blaming, Legal Ethics, Public Reaction, Law Society, Sexual Assault