Lawyer Chia Boon Teck resigned as vice president of the Law Society of Singapore on 25 Mar 2025, following widespread criticism over his comments about a rape victim.
The Law Society confirmed Mr Chia’s resignation in a statement released around noon, saying: “Mr Chia Boon Teck has resigned from council this morning, and the president has accepted his resignation. His resignation takes effect immediately.”
Checks by The Straits Times around 11.00 AM showed that Mr Chia, who serves as co-managing director at Chia Wong LLP, was no longer listed on the Law Society’s website as vice-president or council member.
Advertisements
His resignation came shortly after Law Society president Lisa Sam Hui Min released a statement at 1.00 AM calling for him to step down, describing his comments and views as “unacceptable.”
“The victim’s morality should not have been questioned in this manner. Such comments and views are also inimical for a person in a position of leadership to espouse,” Ms Sam stated.
LinkedIn Comments on Rape Case Trigger Widespread Backlash
The controversy arose from Mr Chia’s LinkedIn post on 22 Mar 2025 regarding the case of Lev Panfilov, a TikToker, scriptwriter, and actor with a local YouTube channel.
Lev Panfilov was convicted on 21 Mar 2025 of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration, and one count of outrage of modesty.
In Mr Chia’s post, which has since been deleted, he described the 30-year-old victim as “not exactly a babe in the woods” and commented, “Wow. Was she awake during this marathon?” in reference to the sexual assault.
Mr Chia also noted that the victim and perpetrator had met on Tinder, a dating app, remarking that “Tinder ain’t no LinkedIn.”
He further commented on the victim meeting Panfilov “at that late hour on the bed of a Russian man she just met in Tinder” while hoping “to get some advice on scriptwriting.”
His post highlighted ten points about the case and included the statement: “People who indulge in one night stands may wanna take note to protect themselves from attack, or accusations of attack.”
Advertisements
The comments immediately drew criticism from members of the legal fraternity, with many calling for his resignation.
Mr Chia deleted the post around 9:15 PM on 23 Mar 2025, minutes after being contacted by The Straits Times, and has since removed his LinkedIn account.
When contacted by CNA, Mr Chia defended his intentions, saying: “As a criminal lawyer, my intent was not to cast blame on any party, but to highlight the importance of situational awareness – both to guard against being assaulted and to avoid actions that could later be misconstrued.”
Law Minister and Legal Community Condemn Victim-Shaming Remarks
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam expressed concern that Mr Chia’s personal views might misrepresent Singapore’s norms and impact other victims.
“My concern is that some people might actually think that the views he has expressed indicate the norms in Singapore. And I worry what impact his statement may have on other victims,” the minister said.
Advertisements
Mr Shanmugam added that victims may be less willing to report incidents when lawyers, especially those in senior positions representing the legal profession, make statements that “minimise or dismiss victims’ concerns.”
“Shaming and blaming victims steps over the line. And misogyny should have no place in our society,” he stated.
Ms Stefanie Yuen-Thio, joint managing partner at TSMP Law Corporation, welcomed the Law Society’s definitive action.
“We need to be clear that the body of lawyers does not find the views acceptable and I’m glad the president (of the Law Society) has come out to expressly and unconditionally say so,” she said.
In her LinkedIn post, Ms Yuen-Thio noted that the incident had sparked discussion on victim shaming and how misogyny has no place in society and the administration of justice.
Advertisements
She also expressed concern for the rape survivor, saying: “If it has, I want to say how sorry I am to have brought the memories of a terrible experience again to the fore.”
Mr Chia had served as vice-president of the Law Society since August 2023 and was previously its treasurer.
The Law Society concluded their statement by saying: “We thank Mr Chia for his service and contributions during his tenure on council and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
These five GRCs could see the tightest battle in GE2025; here’s why:
Read Also:
- Singapore Police Warn Lady Gaga Fans After Scalpers List VIP Tickets for S$38,888
- The Cathay to Reopen in April after 2-Year Renovation
- Food Delivery Rider Fined S$5,000 for Smashing Car Mirror after Near-Collision in Serangoon
- Progress Singapore Party Elects New Central Executive Committee with Six Fresh Faces
- Father-Son Relationship Shattered over $400,000 HDB Flat Ownership Dispute in Yishun
- Two Men Arrested, Eight Others Under Investigation For SIM Card Fraud
