October 7, 2025 – Taipei, Taiwan
A confrontation over a priority seat on the Taipei Metro has escalated into a viral controversy and the arrest of a woman accused of repeatedly harassing passengers. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, involved a woman known to netizens as “Auntie Fumi.”
In an interview following the incident, Auntie Fumi—seen carrying an Issey Miyake handbag—recounted her version of events, saying she acted in self-defense. She explained that the other woman had been verbally and physically aggressive, striking her knees with a bag that appeared to contain a metal object.
“I didn’t intend to attack her,” Fumi said. “I only kicked her to protect myself and get her away from me.”
Fumi added that she initially chose not to respond because she recognized the aggressor as a “special person” and wished to avoid escalation. However, she said the situation worsened when the woman began shouting in English, “Get out of the priority seat!”, assuming Fumi was a foreigner.
According to Fumi, the brief viral video did not capture the full context of the harassment that led up to her reaction. She expressed concern that the clip’s release by an unknown bystander had fueled unnecessary conflict online.
When asked if she regretted her actions, Fumi replied that she had simply reacted instinctively to protect herself. “If it were my family being treated that way, I would feel heartbroken,” she said, urging the public to show empathy toward all parties involved.
Following the incident, Fumi traveled abroad for a pre-planned trip, denying online rumors that she had fled Taiwan to avoid scrutiny. Upon her return, she issued a statement expressing gratitude to the police for their professional handling of the case and apologized for unintentionally stirring public debate.
The Taipei Metro Police confirmed that the woman who initiated the harassment was arrested and is under investigation for disturbing public order.
The incident has reignited discussion about the purpose and etiquette surrounding priority seating on public transportation. Fumi commented that while the seats are intended for passengers in need, “they are, in the end, just seats—many kindhearted people in Taiwan will willingly offer them to others without being told.”