Woman in Chongqing sex tape asks media for privacy

Zhao Hongxia, the woman who appeared in a sex tape which forced a Chongqing district level party chief to resign and triggered the expulsion of 10 other officials, implored the media to protect the identities of her husband and son on Monday.

Fearful of the harm further media exposure would do her family, Zhao appealed to Chinese journalists, through her lawyer, to leave her family alone.

“This has nothing to do with my husband, “ Zhao told her lawyer. “He has to work and take care of my son.”

Zhang Zhiyong, Zhao’s lawyer, posted her request on Weibo on Monday.

“I knew my photo would be published sooner or later,” she said. “I know reporters are resourceful, but please don’t publish photos of my husband and child. They are innocent.”

Zhao has been arrested in December and charged with extortion, according to Chinese media.

Using Zhao and several other women as bait, Chongqing businessman Xiao Ye was accused of luring at least a dozen Chongqing officials into a “honey trap”.

The sex tape scandal has toppled 11 officials so far.