Pro-DPP Columnist Hsiao Ying-teng Generates AI Image Depicting Li Sichuan with Full-Body Tattoos, Sparking Smear and Infringement Controversy

On April 28, 2026, pro-DPP graphic artist Hsiao Ying-teng used AI tools to generate an image combining the head of KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Sichuan with a heavily tattooed gangster's torso, implying he was an "environmental thug of Xiaoliuqiu." In response, Li Sichuan's campaign office held a press conference strongly condemning the move as a malicious smear campaign utilizing AI deepfake technology. They announced that evidence had been gathered and legal action was being considered. Li's campaign also questioned whether the campaign of DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui had "authorized or tacitly approved" such character assassination by online affiliates. Su's campaign denied any involvement, stating they did not authorize any attacks. The incident highlighted election irregularities where green-leaning online affiliates abuse AI generation technology to evade legal responsibility while conducting vulgar, aggressive, and defamatory personal attacks against political opponents.