Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang sentenced to 40 months’ jail for sexual offences against minor

Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang Wei Jie, 35, was sentenced to 40 months’ jail on 19 May 2025 after admitting to multiple sexual offences involving a minor.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual penetration of a minor under 16, with three similar charges taken into consideration. Fang also faced one charge of obstructing justice and one count of stalking.

Offences in 2024

The offences occurred in 2024, when Fang, then 34, met the 15-year-old victim at an entertainment event. At the time, Fang was working as an acting instructor at a children’s modelling school, in addition to his career in the entertainment industry.

According to court documents, Fang and the victim began exchanging daily messages in May 2024. In June, they engaged in unprotected sexual acts on nine occasions, despite Fang being aware of her age.

One incident took place on 6 June 2024, when the victim was isolating in a hotel after contracting COVID-19. Fang visited her that night, and they had sex. She began to regard him as a boyfriend, while he instructed her to keep their relationship secret.

Further encounters followed on 13 June and 17 June, the latter while the victim was hospitalised for flu. The offences were timed around checks by the victim’s mother.

The girl’s mother discovered the relationship and reported it to the police on 3 August. Fang was arrested the next day and later released on bail.

Manipulation and emotional impact

Despite instructions from an investigation officer not to contact the victim, Fang reached out via social media, prompting the victim to call him.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Lynda Lee told the court that Fang threatened suicide if jailed, urging the victim to influence her mother to withdraw the complaint.

The prosecution said these actions worsened the victim’s mental health. She was admitted to the Institute of Mental Health between 23 and 28 August 2024 and diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

Fang also stalked the victim, making 18 phone calls to her on 22 September, sending a message referencing her close friend, and entering her online karaoke chatroom.

In her victim impact statement, the girl said she felt emotionally dependent on Fang, believing sex was the only way to keep him close. She has since lost confidence and expressed fear of middle-aged men.

DPP Lee emphasised that the victim’s first sexual experience being tied to a criminal case would cause long-lasting harm.

Prosecution and defence arguments

The prosecution sought 36 to 40 months’ jail, citing serious exploitation and psychological damage.

In mitigation, Fang’s lawyer Noelle Teoh argued for a maximum sentence of 32 months. She described the relationship as “mutual and developing”, insisting Fang had apologised and never coerced the victim.

Teoh maintained that his requests for secrecy stemmed from protecting his celebrity privacy, not malicious intent.

However, District Judge Eddy Tham disagreed, noting that Fang’s actions showed a clear pattern of manipulation. He said Fang attempted to “gaslight” the girl through threats and emotional pressure to avoid consequences.

Sentencing and public disclosure

Judge Tham sentenced Fang to 40 months’ imprisonment, the maximum sought by the prosecution. He granted Fang’s request to defer his sentence until 16 June 2025 to settle personal matters and raised his bail by S$10,000.

A gag order protecting Fang’s identity was lifted on the same day at the victim’s request. The victim told prosecutors she was now “emotionally stronger” and willing for Fang to be identified.

Defence counsel opposed the move, warning it could risk indirect exposure of the victim’s identity. The court ruled that a revised gag order would continue protecting the victim while allowing Fang’s name to be published.

Fang’s career and background

Born in Shanghai and raised in Singapore, Fang was a Singapore permanent resident educated locally. He joined Mediacorp in 2011 and gained prominence in the drama On The Fringe.

He won the Star Award for Best Newcomer in 2013 and went on to star in productions such as Served HOT (2014) and Tiger Mum (2015).

Fang left Mediacorp in 2023 after 12 years with the broadcaster, later focusing on music, content creation, and business ventures. These pursuits are now on hold due to his imprisonment.