The Aura of Luxury Brands Fades! Taiwanese Female Influencer in Prison Uniform Appears in Court for Dining and Dashing, Repeatedly Interrupts and Is Reprimanded by Judge

A woman claiming to be from Taiwan, Pei Chung (transliteration), was arrested by police for repeatedly dining and dashing at upscale restaurants in New York City and for long-term nonpayment of high rental fees. She was recently transferred to Rikers Island Jail.

The case was heard at Brooklyn Criminal Court on Wednesday local time. Pei Chung appeared in a prison uniform and interrupted the presiding judge several times during the session, resulting in stern reprimands and creating a tense atmosphere in the courtroom.

According to the New York Post, the 34-year-old Pei Chung claimed to be an influencer, frequently flaunting a lavish image on social media by donning fur and pairing luxury brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès.

However, when she appeared in court on Wednesday, she wore an olive-colored prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, presenting a stark contrast to the wealthy persona she created online.

During the hearing, Pei Chung repeatedly interrupted presiding Judge Reynolds, and despite multiple warnings to follow court protocol, she continued to retort. She was finally admonished on the spot: "When I am speaking, you are not allowed to speak! Do you understand?"

Her defense attorney, DeCharles, filed a motion to prohibit media photography in the courtroom, citing the defendant's rights. However, the judge ruled that the case was of public interest and permitted the media to take photos.

According to the prosecution, since October last year, Pei Chung has dined at at least 11 high-end restaurants in Brooklyn and refused to pay after consuming expensive dishes, ranging from Carbone pasta and foie gras to steak. She again visited another luxury restaurant last Friday, refused to pay a bill of $149, and was immediately taken away by police.

In addition, data from the New York City Department of Correction indicates that, aside from facing criminal charges, Pei Chung is suspected of overstaying and has had an immigration detainer filed against her. Immigration attorney Gadi Zohar noted that criminal cases often trigger immigration enforcement procedures. After her court appearance, Pei Chung could be taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and may face deportation.

Records also show that Pei Chung went to the U.S. as a scholarship student in 2019 to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn until 2021. On her professional social platforms, she claimed to have worked in UX and interface design and once worked in a financial institution, but these professional experiences lack independent corroboration, and her visa status and legal employment eligibility remain to be clarified.

At the same time, Pei Chung is also embroiled in a civil dispute due to overdue rent. Court documents indicate that she lived in a luxury apartment on Kent Avenue with a monthly rent of $3,350 but has not paid rent since 2023, accumulating about $40,000 in arrears. The court had already ordered her to vacate by December 1 last year, but at that time, she was already in custody.

Reports also noted that Pei Chung described herself on Instagram as “99 pounds, no plastic surgery,” often attracted attention by tagging posts with luxury accessories and high-end restaurants, but in reality had repeatedly dined and dashed, and even once proposed to exchange sex for free meals. The court ordered a psychological evaluation for her in late November to determine whether she is competent to understand the charges against her. She currently remains detained at Rikers Island, awaiting trial on charges of theft of services.