Former SMAP Member Masahiro Nakai Implicated in Sexual Harassment

Former Japanese band SMAP member Masahiro Nakai has been embroiled in a sex scandal. In June 2023, the 52-year-old television host allegedly engaged in nonconsensual relations with an unnamed woman, whom he eventually paid an out-of-court settlement fee of US $580,000. Claims of sexual misconduct continued, with the most recent involving female anchor Mizutani Aiko, who revealed she was a victim in December 2021.

Receiving an invitation to a dinner party from a senior television producer, Mizutani Aiko initially thought it was just an ordinary gathering. When she arrived at the hotel, she saw two other female anchors seated next to Masahiro Nakai. Arranged to sit next to Masahiro Nakai, Mizutani Aiko immediately felt uncomfortable when he touched her thigh. Fearing outright rejection would be detrimental to her career, she excused herself to use the restroom, only to return to find Masahiro Nakai completely unclothed. When she cried and rejected the advances, Masahiro Nakai put his clothes back on and left. Since the incident, Mizutani Aiko expressed she has not received any work from the senior television producer again. Mizutani Aiko further revealed that these types of sexual exploitation have been ongoing for more than 20 years in the industry.

Masahiro Nakai has issued an apology through his agency, but did not further elaborate on the allegations, citing confidentiality obligations resulting from the settlement. The president of Fuji Television Network also apologized on behalf of the television host over the allegations, however dozens of advertisers have pulled their ads from the station.

Source: [1]

This article is written by Huynh for JayneStars.com.