Chinese actor in custody for alleged sexual assault in Sydney hotel

Chinese actor Gao Yunxiang has been arrested following an alleged sexual assault that took place on Monday in Sydney, reports the Daily Telegraph.

A 36-year-old woman reportedly claimed that Gao and another man, Wang Jing, sexually assaulted her inside a room at the Shangri-La Hotel on March 26, 2018.

Chinese actor Gao Yunxiang, known for his roles in the 2012 movie "Drug War" and the 2015 television drama "Legend of Mi Yue". [File Photo: IC]

The two men are being held in police custody. They appeared at Sydney Central Local Court via video link on Wednesday. Their lawyer said they would plead not guilty and that they would apply for bail, according to the Daily Mail.

On Thursday, Sina Entertainment reported that the judge had rejected Gao's application for bail.

Gao Yunxiang is known for his roles in the 2012 movie "Drug War", and the 2015 television drama "Legend of Mi Yue". Gao was working in Sydney on a new TV series with his wife, Chinese actress Dong Xuan. The couple has just wrapped up filming the day the alleged incident happened.

In response to the incident, Gao's studio released an statement on Thursday, asking the public to avoid speculation and to wait for the results of the investigation by police in Australia. The announcement was reposted on social media by Gao's wife, with a comment "I believe him."

The issue of sexual violence has gained growing worldwide attention over the past few years, with the recent #MeToo movement helping to raise awareness of the extent of the problem.

According to the relevant laws in Australia, someone found guilty of sexual assault could face up to 20 years in prison.

During this year's Two Sessions, legislators in China have been proposing new legal measures to prevent sexual assault against children.