Top Chinese Buddhist monk Xuecheng faces police investigation after #MeToo sexual harassment claims upheld
Police investigating whether Longquan Temple abbot broke the law after report finds he harassed women and mishandled temple funds
An investigation concluded that Xuecheng, abbot of the well-known Longquan Temple on the outskirts of Beijing, had sexually harassed female disciples via text messages, built temples without obtaining official permits and mishandled the temple’s funds, according to a statement posted on the website of the National Religious Affairs Administration.
Claims he sexually assaulted nuns have been passed on to the police, who are also investigating whether any of his other activities broke the law.
The report also said he was suspected of “violating Buddhist principles” and he is now subject to disciplinary action by the national Buddhist Association.
The investigation began after two women compiled a 95-page document outlining the accusations made about the monk, who is also a member of China’s top political advisory body.
The document went viral online at the end of last month, contributing to China’s fledgling #MeToo movement.
Shi Xianjia and Shi Xianqi, the two women who compiled the report, said the abbot sent suggestive messages to two nuns at the temple and made unwanted sexual advances towards at least four others.