SYDNEY—The lawyer of Yang Lanlan, the mysterious Chinese heiress who caused a stir online over her true identity, has rejected claims that his client has secretly left the country.
“That was a serious allegation,” said John Korn, in comments to NTD, the sister media outlet of The Epoch Times, on Jan. 30.
When asked on whether Yang’s wealth could insulate her from any consequences for the car accident that left chauffeur severely injured, Korn rejected the idea, saying wealth does not exempt anyone from legal responsibility.
“I would say that’s completely incorrect,” he said. “She’s charged in her matters before the court.”
Yang did not make an appearance this time, and her case will be heard again on March 31.
Yang, who was 23 at the time, allegedly crashed her $1.5 million (US$1.05 million) Rolls-Royce SUV into a Mercedes-Benz business vehicle while intoxicated in the upscale suburb of Rose Bay on July 26, 2025.
The 52-year-old driver of the Mercedes, George Plassaras, who works for Kyle Sandilands—a well-known Australian radio host and media personality—sustained severe injuries, including fractures to his spine, ribs, hip, and femur.
Yang, uninjured in the crash, was granted bail with conditions, including surrendering her passport, reporting to the police three times a week, adhering to a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and being prohibited from driving.
New South Wales (NSW) police alleged that Yang violated her bail conditions for changing address, which she later admitted.
However, her counsel, Greg Stanton, explained in court on Jan. 23 that it was not intentional, but caused by a miscommunication between lawyers.
The address change was updated in the paperwork on Jan. 22 with the consent of the prosecution and the officer in charge.
The prosecutor further requested a delay in the case to allow for preparation in relation to two new charges added two weeks ago: “dangerous driving causing serious injury under the influence of alcohol” and “mid-range drink driving.”
Yang already faces four charges and has pled not guilty to them, and currently remains on bail.
