Former SMAP leader Masahiro Nakai has been embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal since the beginning of the year. Following reports by Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun alleging Fuji TV's practice of arranging "sexual tributes" involving female announcers, Nakai's work engagements were almost entirely canceled, and Fuji TV's reputation also suffered significantly among the Japanese public.
Today (March 31), Fuji TV's third-party committee released its investigation report concerning the dispute between Masahiro Nakai and the woman involved. The report concluded that the woman experienced sexual violence from Masahiro Nakai within a context described as an "extension of business" (業務の延長線上). Fuji TV executives are scheduled to hold a press conference tonight at 7 PM to explain the handling of the matter.
▼ Following the news, Masahiro Nakai once again became a trending topic on Japanese X.
Fuji TV's news program "It!" also reported today that Fuji Media Holdings had published the third-party committee's investigation results on its official website, introducing parts of the content at the beginning of the broadcast.
"The third-party committee's report, based on interviews with Masahiro Nakai and the woman involved, confirmed that sexual violence did occur. Furthermore, the report stated that it was reasonable for the individual to perceive the dinner at the time of the incident as an extension of business."
Naturally, upon the news breaking, many netizens pointed out that Masahiro Nakai can no longer evade accountability and will inevitably face potential legal responsibilities, despite his current disappearance from the public eye. For detailed report contents, Fuji Media Holdings and Fuji TV are expected to hold a press conference tonight at 7 PM, where company executives will provide further explanations regarding the outcome.
via： 日本產經新聞