"Animal Farm uncle"-famous trainer Lee Chan-jong was cleared of sexual assault charges and had his acquittal finalized after four and a half years.
On the 19th, a video titled "Hello, trainer Lee Chan-jong" was posted on the channel "Animal Farm uncle Lee Chan-jong x Han Jae-woong's JaekkiChan."
That day, trainer Lee Chan-jong, ahead of the appeal verdict, opened up about his feelings, saying, "The greatest difficulty was the harm and pain my family suffered because of the wrongful accusation. It is both nerve-racking and relieving that the long fight that lasted four and a half years is finally ending," he said.
After the trial, trainer Lee Chan-jong announced his acquittal. At the appellate court, the panel dismissed the prosecutor's appeal.
Trainer Lee Chan-jong said, "I was found not guilty on all six counts, and finally the truth has been revealed. The moment I heard the ruling dismissing the prosecution's appeal, I felt so relieved my legs went weak," expressing his feelings about the acquittal.
Outside the courthouse, Lee Chan-jong's wife and daughter, who had been waiting for him, also shed tears at the not-guilty verdict. The three embraced each other and released the hardship they had endured.
Lee Chan-jong's wife said, "We never once doubted him. Of course not," showing her faith in her husband, and the daughter recalled, "It was very hard emotionally. I had to go to school but wondered, 'Should I go to school?' After about a year, friends said, 'I thought you wouldn't come to school.' I wondered why they thought I would not come when I had done nothing wrong."
Lee Chan-jong expressed gratitude, saying, "If I had not been able to prove the truth, it would have been really hard to live. When the incident occurred, my family was the first thing that came to mind, and because I had a family who believed in and supported me, I was able to overcome the difficulties."
Meanwhile, trainer Lee Chan-jong was sued in 2022 on charges of sexual harassment and sexual assault and suspended all broadcasting activities, including appearances on SBS's Animal Farm. However, Lee Chan-jong emphasized that while it is true he had some conversations that could be misunderstood, he never had any physical contact or committed sexual assault, and he countered with a malicious accusation claim.
[Photo] video capture
[OSEN]