Fuji TV Executives Resign Following Sexual Misconduct Scandal Involving Former SMAP Star

The resignations come as the network faces public outrage, advertiser losses, and allegations of a corporate cover-up over a 2023 incident involving Masahiro Nakai.

Chairman Shuji Kanoh and President Koichi Minato of Fuji TV stepped down after criticism of their handling of sexual misconduct allegations against former TV host Masahiro Nakai.
Nakai, a former SMAP boy band member, allegedly assaulted a woman at a 2023 dinner reportedly organized by Fuji TV staff and later paid a settlement of 90 million yen.
The scandal led to widespread advertiser boycotts, shareholder criticism, and significant reputational damage for the network.
Fuji TV's initial response was criticized for a lack of transparency, prompting a chaotic 10-hour press conference attended by over 400 reporters to address the fallout.
An independent panel has been established to investigate the allegations, with findings expected by March, as calls grow for systemic changes in Japan's entertainment industry.

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South China Morning Post

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