A University of Minnesota student filed a lawsuit against Chinese billionaire Richard Liu and his company, JD.com, Tuesday, alleging he sexually assaulted her last summer.
The woman accused Liu of encouraging her to drink heavily during a dinner at an Uptown restaurant. He then drove the student back to her apartment where he allegedly raped her, according to Star Tribune reporting. She also alleges JD.com staff members helped coordinate the assault.
The victim dropped out of school after suffering from mental anguish and bodily injuries, the report alleges.
“Based on the Hennepin County Attorney’s declination to charge a case against our client and our belief in his innocence, we feel strongly that this suit is without merit and will vigorously defend against it,” Jill Brisbois, an attorney for Liu, wrote in a statement.
Liu was arrested on Aug. 31, 2018, after the student reported him to police. Liu was released 17 hours later and subsequently returned to China. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office did not charge Liu with rape, stating the assault could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The woman’s attorney requests more than $50,000, according to the Star Tribune.
The University declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying it doesn’t comment on pending litigation, according to a University spokesperson.
This is a breaking news story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Minnesota Daily policy is to not name individuals who claim they have been sexually assaulted, unless given permission.
Dylan Anderson contributed to this report.