Star Detective Precure!, the 23rd entry in the long-running Pretty Cure franchise, has generated plenty of buzz—from its title reveal and character announcements to its broadcast debut—bringing even more viewers into the beloved series.
However, the official Pretty Cure account on X posted a message on the 9th titled “A Request to All Fans.” It stated, “We have recently confirmed that a very small number of individuals have engaged in disruptive behavior or violated rules at live stage shows, events, and other venues.” After the message went live, many fans immediately pointed to one notorious repeat offender, accusing the adult fan of even “asking to borrow children to attend family-only events.” The allegations have sparked widespread anger and an online 炎上 backlash.
(Note: The term “adult fan” here refers to an adult who enjoys entertainment primarily aimed at children)
Here is the official statement in full:
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support and love for Pretty Cure.
We have recently confirmed that a very small number of individuals have engaged in disruptive behavior or violated rules at Pretty Cure stage shows, events, and other venues. Such conduct not only prevents other guests from participating safely and with peace of mind, but also seriously affects the working environment of performers and event staff. Depending on the nature of the behavior, it may also constitute customer harassment or other forms of misconduct.
We ask everyone to refrain from the behavior described above. If you witness dangerous, disruptive, or suspicious conduct, please notify nearby event staff, security personnel, or other relevant personnel. Thank you for your cooperation.
In cases involving the malicious conduct described above, the individuals responsible may be denied entry to stage shows, event venues, and related facilities. Depending on the circumstances, we may also contact the police, file a formal complaint, or pursue legal action, including criminal charges or civil claims for damages. We ask for your understanding and cooperation so that every fan can enjoy Pretty Cure safely and with peace of mind.
After the statement was posted, many fans argued that the entire announcement appeared to have been written with one specific person in mind. The adult fan in question has allegedly used various tactics to enter events reserved for children or families, repeatedly positioning himself at the very front and blocking young fans’ view.
He has also allegedly “borrowed” children to gain access to family-only events before rushing to the front. Fans say this has happened more than once, with the same tactic repeatedly succeeding. Many welcomed the unusually firm response from the official account and said they hoped it would finally put a stop to his behavior.
Other users noted that the adult fan had proudly posted on X about attending an event where “adults may not enter alone”—and even making it all the way to the front row.
In fact, the adult fan also uploaded a YouTube Short boasting about how he bypassed the rules at family events where “adults may not enter alone.” He openly discussed negotiating with children at the venue or using his ticket to enter alongside parents and children who did not have tickets, making it appear that he was not entering the venue “alone”.
After being called out by numerous users, マグナミスパーダ＠キュアとライダー (@prismsky20) reposted the official statement and wrote:
The family stage event was supposedly limited to parents and children, but that restriction was never mentioned during the lottery. Then they suddenly posted a notice on the day of the event. How is that supposed to feel like anything other than harassment or an attempt to drive customers away? And they are presenting this as a “request”?
Did you really expect someone to arrive at around 6 a.m. the next morning, after the notice was only posted the night before, and simply say, “Oh, I see,” and accept it?
The post immediately triggered a wave of criticism and an online 炎上 backlash. Users argued that he clearly knew the official statement was aimed at him, yet showed no remorse for breaking the rules and continued making excuses.
Others said the official account had framed the warning as a “request” only to avoid escalating the situation unnecessarily. They added that behavior like this gives adult Pretty Cure fans a bad reputation, making people assume that anyone who enjoys the franchise as an adult acts in the same malicious way.
Users also mocked the fan for claiming not to understand the rules of a “family stage event,” calling the excuse pathetic—especially when the official statement appeared to have been issued because of his conduct.
Others argued that rules now have to be announced at the last minute precisely because some people deliberately look for ways around them. They added that the organizers were unlikely to care that he had been waiting at the venue since the previous night.
One user outlined the potential legal consequences, arguing that conduct like this should be dealt with through the law:
At a venue marked “No Unaccompanied Adults,” falsely claiming to meet the entry requirements in order to obtain a numbered ticket and enter, then wearing a character costume in a public space and conducting unofficial character interactions or meet-and-greets → Obstruction of business (punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥500,000)
“Borrowing a child” → Taking or kidnapping a minor (punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment)
Faced with someone who appeared to show no remorse, many fans expressed disbelief. They said it was alarming to see someone remain so defiant even after such a direct official warning, with some wondering how he manages to function in society.
In fact, previous Pretty Cure events have prohibited adults from entering without children, a policy introduced after numerous incidents involving inappropriate fan behavior.
At the time, one user compiled a list of what had happened at earlier Pretty Cure events, comparing the scenes to a zoo:
1. Adults occupying the entire front row
2. Insisting on hugging the Pretty Cure performers
3. Repeatedly talking to children and frightening them
4. Secretly photographing young girls
5. Making strange animal noises
6. Shouting “I’ll take you down!” when a villain appears
7. Organizers ban unaccompanied adults from attending ← NEW
The adult fan remains the target of widespread 炎上 criticism, but he appears unfazed. He has said that he cannot die and that if even his right to watch Pretty Cure is taken away, the franchise is truly finished.
Judging by his response, he appears to have no intention of reconsidering his behavior. If he shows up at future events, organizers may take direct action—especially since he is allegedly a repeat offender whom other attendees can recognize. Fans can only hope that disruptive behavior like this, particularly from those who repeatedly ignore the rules, does not continue.
via： X@prismsky20