Japanese TV host Masahiro Nakai, one of the country’s most recognisable faces on television, has announced that he is retiring after a sexual assault allegation that has rocked the country’s entertainment industry.
Nakai, who presented for Fuji Television, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a 2023 dinner party held by staff.
Dozens of companies have pulled their commercials from Fuji Television amid claims that the company’s staff had tried to cover up the scandal.
Fuji Television is expected to set up an independent committee to investigate the scandal.
Nakai soared to stardom in the 1990s as the leader of Japanese boy band SMAP, one of Asia’s most successful acts.
One of Japan’s most recognizable television hosts, Masahiro Nakai, has announced his retirement following a sexual assault accusation that has shook the nation’s entertainment sector.
Nakai was accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a staff dinner party in 2023. Nakai presented for Fuji Television.
Numerous businesses have withdrawn their advertisements from Fuji Television due to allegations that its employees attempted to conceal the scandal.
Nakai denied abusing the woman and claimed to have “resolved” the issue with her through a settlement on January 9. However, the public’s ire was not greatly reduced by this.
Nakai expressed his “sincere regret for causing trouble and losses to so many people” in a social media statement on Thursday.
“I sincerely apologize for saying goodbye in this manner. “,”.
Days after Fuji Television president Koichi Minato acknowledged that the company knew about Nakai’s scandal long before it was publicized, the company chose not to disclose it, he resigned.
It is anticipated that Fuji Television will form an impartial committee to look into the controversy.
Additionally, Nakai’s appearances have been removed from programs.
As the lead singer of the Japanese boy band SMAP, one of Asia’s most popular acts, Nakai shot to fame in the 1990s. In addition to releasing over 50 singles, many of which went on to become number one hits, the group started a weekly variety show on prime-time television.
