Beijing court accepts defamation case after GM spar

A Beijing district court on Tuesday accepted a case in which an online celebrity sued a former talk show host following a spat over genetically modified (GM) corn.

The Beijing Haidian District People's Court said Fang Shimin, whose pen name is Fang Zhouzi, filed a lawsuit against Cui Yongyuan over reputation damage.

A biochemist and vocal supporter of GM technology, Fang engaged in a fierce war of words on a microblog with Cui after the former China Central Television host questioned Fang's promotion of GM corn last year.

The spat later escalated, with the two exchanging accusations over each other's personal finances and other issues.

GM food has remained a controversial issue among the Chinese public, who are skeptical about its safety and question the lack of labeling of GM ingredients in consumer goods.