Peking University has announced it is suing a former professor for libel over claims he made about a sex scandal at the college.

The college is seeking an apology and damages from Zou Hengfu, an economist who falsely alleged that its deans and directors had sexually harassed waitresses working on campus.

"Zou's micro blog posts have caused severe damage to the reputation of Peking University and our teachers, and hurt the feelings of our students and alumni, as well as the feelings of innocent waitresses," Jiang Langlang, Peking University spokesman, said on Sunday.