Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang sentenced to 40 months’ jail for underage sex offences

SINGAPORE: Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang, 35, was sentenced to 40 months’ jail on 19 May 2025 after pleading guilty to sexual offences involving a minor. Fang, whose full name is Fang Wei Jie (方威捷), admitted to three charges of sexual penetration of a minor under 16 years of age. Three similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing, along with one count of obstructing justice and another of stalking. The offences occurred in 2024, when the victim was 15 years old. Fang, then aged 34, met the victim at an entertainment event. A Singapore permanent resident born in Shanghai and educated locally, Fang was a Mediacorp actor for 12 years before leaving the company in 2023. At the time of the offences, he was also working as an acting instructor at a modelling school for children. His identity was made public in court after a gag order protecting it was lifted on the same day. A separate gag order remains in place to protect the victim’s identity. Deputy Public Prosecutor Lynda Lee requested the lifting of the gag order on Fang’s name, citing the wishes of the victim. In her impact statement, the victim described herself as “emotionally stronger” and willing to be identified. Fang’s lawyer, Noelle Teoh, opposed the move, arguing that revealing Fang’s identity could indirectly lead to the victim being identified. She noted that at least 30 people had seen the two together in social settings. The court ultimately issued a revised gag order that maintained protection for the victim while allowing Fang’s name to be published. District Judge Eddy Tham acknowledged the need to balance public interest in transparency with protection for victims of sexual offences.

Court documents reveal Fang’s offences against the minor

Court documents stated that Fang and the victim began exchanging daily messages after meeting in May 2024. In June 2024, the two engaged in unprotected sexual acts on nine occasions, despite Fang being aware that the girl was 15. One incident occurred on 6 June 2024, when the girl had contracted COVID-19 and checked into a hotel. Fang visited her room that night, and they had sex. The victim reportedly began seeing Fang as her boyfriend, while he instructed her to keep the relationship secret. On 13 June, the girl left her hotel to meet Fang again. They returned to his residence where they again had sex before she returned to her hotel later that morning. Fang remained in contact with the victim despite the hotel visits being timed around her mother’s checks. On 17 June, while the girl was hospitalised for a flu infection and left alone overnight, Fang visited her and again engaged in unprotected sex. The victim’s mother later discovered the relationship and reported it to the police on 3 August. Fang was arrested the following day and released on bail. By that time, the girl was experiencing daily crying episodes and signs of depression.

Fang’s emotional manipulation worsened victim’s mental health

Despite explicit instructions from an investigation officer not to contact the victim, Fang initiated communication via social media, prompting her to call him. According to DPP Lee, Fang told the victim he would commit suicide if jailed and urged her to influence her mother not to proceed with charges. This emotional pressure contributed to the victim’s mental health deterioration. She was admitted to the Institute of Mental Health from 23 to 28 August and diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Although she attempted to cease contact, Fang continued harassing her. On 22 September, he made 18 phone calls and sent a message referencing her close friend. That month, he also entered her virtual karaoke application room. The prosecution requested a sentence of 36 to 40 months, citing serious exploitation and psychological harm. In her victim impact statement, the girl described being emotionally dependent on Fang and feeling that sex was the only way to keep him close. After the offences were exposed, she resumed contact due to that dependence but found herself distressed by his attempts to manipulate her. She has since lost confidence and expressed fear of middle-aged men. DPP Lee stated that the victim would carry the emotional burden of having her first sexual experience tied to criminal proceedings. In mitigation, defence lawyer Teoh argued for a sentence not exceeding 32 months. She said Fang had apologised to the victim and her family, and described their relationship as a mutual and developing romance. According to Teoh, Fang met the girl through a mutual friend, and they bonded over shared interests. She claimed Fang only wanted to support her and acted discreetly due to his public profile. Teoh disagreed with the prosecution's stance on exploitation, stating there was no coercion or pressure from Fang. She maintained that his requests for secrecy were motivated by a desire to protect his privacy as a celebrity, not malicious intent. However, Judge Tham noted that Fang, given his age and experience, was fully aware of the implications of his actions. He described the conduct as a clear pattern of taking advantage of the victim’s emotional vulnerability. Tham said Fang’s manipulation, including threats of suicide and pressuring the victim to sway her mother, was an attempt to “gaslight” the girl in a bid to avoid consequences. He allowed Fang to defer his sentence to 16 June to settle personal matters, increasing his bail by S$10,000. Fang debuted in show business in 2011 and gained popularity with the drama On The Fringe. He won the Star Award for Best Newcomer in 2013 and later starred in titles such as Served HOT (2014) and Tiger Mum (2015). Following his departure from Mediacorp, Fang pursued music, content creation, and business ventures, which are now on hold due to the case.