Who's to blame for Makiyo's downfall?

PHOTO: AP

Following singer Makiyo Kawashima's drunken assault on a cab driver, the media spotlight has now shifted to the lack of social responsibility on Taiwanese television talkshows, where she has been a frequent guest.

The 27-year-old Japanese-Taiwanese has a reputation as a notorious party girl on Taiwan's talk show circuit. From Mr Con and Ms Csi to Gossip Queen to Kuo-Kuang's Here To Help, she shared her fondness for clubbing and drinking.

Last week, she and her male Japanese friend, Mr Takateru Tomoyori, were charged by Taipei authorities with causing grievous hurt to a 55-year-old cab driver.

Netizens are now criticising Taiwanese TV talkshows for encouraging and condoning behaviour like Makiyo's.

Read the full story in The New Paper on Saturday (Feb 18).