Dozens of firms pull ads from Japanese network over sex scandal linked to its staff and celebrity
Dozens of major Japanese companies have pulled their commercials from broadcaster Fuji Television amid allegations company officials tried to cover up a sex scandal involving one of the country’s most famous TV hosts
TOKYO — Dozens of major Japanese companies have pulled their commercials on Fuji Television amid allegations company officials tried to cover up a sex scandal involving one of the country’s most famous TV hosts.
The scandal centers on Masahiro Nakai, a former member of the super popular male band SMAP and now a popular host at Fuji and other Japanese networks. Nakai has been linked by local media to an alleged sexual assault at a party reportedly arranged by one of Fuji TV's staff.
After the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported in December a 90 million yen ($580,000) settlement between Nakai and a woman over the alleged sexual assault at a 2023 dinner party, the former SMAP star issued a statement acknowledging a settlement over “a trouble,” but he denied using any violence.
News of the scandal did not immediately trigger a flood of pullouts by sponsors. But many apparently started replacing their commercials with public service announcements after a news conference Friday by Fuji TV that triggered criticism that the company was lacking transparency and contrition over the affair.
Major sponsors such as automakers Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.; cosmetics maker Shiseido; retailer Seven & I Holding Co. and life insurer Meiji Yasuda announced they were pulling ads from Fuji TV. Local media reports said more than 50 companies had done the same.
Nissan said Tuesday that it had pulled its Fuji TV adds and was watching developments before deciding on further steps.
During Friday's news conference,
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