Zhang Ziyi denounces spreaders of sex scandal

Film star Zhang Ziyi has promised that those responsible for "spreading rumors" about her alleged involvement in high-level prostitution will be "punished eventually," according to a post on her Weibo account.

The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon actress said that the final verdict in her US libel trial against US-based website Boxun News would be announced on Tuesday, but there was no message as of press time.

Boxun ran a story in May 2012 accusing Zhang of making at least 700 million yuan ($115.3 million) by sleeping with high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen in China over the course of 11 years, including disgraced senior leader Bo Xilai.

Zhang wrote on her Weibo on Monday that news about her reaching a settlement with Boxun was untrue, and that she would seek legal recompense against any media organizations or individuals involved in rumormongering.

"The 19 months and nearly 600 days and nights are not atypical for a defamation suit, but enough to damage a person's reputation and innocence," Zhang wrote.

Boxun posted an apology to Zhang on top of its English-language version of the website Tuesday.

It added that its reports were unsupportable and improper, and that Zhang has never been questioned in connection with any investigation related to the allegations set forth in the Boxun articles.

Zhang has also sued Apple Daily and the Next magazine in Hong Kong, winning rulings in her favor in November.