Key Highlights:

• Fuji TV's chairman and president resigned following a scandal involving celebrity Masahiro Nakai.
• Massive advertiser withdrawal ensued after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced.
• The network admitted mishandling the situation, which has sparked public outrage and scrutiny of industry practices.

In a significant reaction to a brewing scandal, both the chairman and president of Fuji TV have submitted their resignations as the company faces intense backlash over allegations of sexual misconduct involving renowned television host Masahiro Nakai. This decision comes as the public and advertisers express concerns over the network’s handling of the situation. According to reports, Nakai, a prominent figure due to his history as a member of the famous boy band SMAP, is implicated in a serious incident that took place at a 2023 dinner party allegedly organized by Fuji TV staff.

Details of the allegations, first revealed in late December, suggest that Nakai was involved in sexually assaulting a woman, leading to a controversial financial settlement exceeding half a million dollars. The fallout from these accusations has caused numerous advertisers, including major corporations like Nissan and Toyota, to withdraw their sponsorships from Fuji. BBC News reported that public sentiment has turned sharply against the broadcaster due to perceived efforts to conceal the facts surrounding the issue.

During a press conference, Koichi Minato, the outgoing president, expressed remorse, stating, "We mishandled the case due to our lack of awareness about human rights and corporate governance," while acknowledging the devastating impact this incident has had on the network’s reputation. Similarly, Shuji Kano, the chairman, apologized to the women involved and to the public for the distress caused by the unfolding situation.

Aside from his allegations, Nakai has announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, asserting, "I alone am responsible for everything." His statement emphasizes a sense of personal accountability amidst a larger conversation regarding systemic issues within the Japanese entertainment sector, where alcohol-fueled gatherings involving celebrity figures have reportedly bred an environment of unaddressed misconduct.

The situation has drawn comparisons to previous scandals in Japan’s entertainment industry, most notably the cases involving the now-defunct agency Johnny & Associates, where extensive abuse allegations surfaced against its former head. Current and former executives at Fuji TV have faced accusations of partaking in a culture that has historically exploited its female staff, leading to what many see as a necessary reckoning in Japanese media standards.

As the fallout continues, Fuji TV has committed to reform by initiating an independent investigation into the scandal to ensure better accountability and transparency practices moving forward. The results of this inquiry are expected to be presented by March. Such developments highlight an urgent need for change in Japan’s approach to protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in industries facing scrutiny over longstanding misconduct issues. For further information, visit AP News.