Famous male star paid 8 million won to silence 'sexual assault'… met a serious end

'Japanese National Idol' Nakai Masahiro
A series of departures from programs following sexual assault allegations
8 million won paid as settlement money

Leader and broadcaster of Japan's national idol group 'SMAP' Masahiro Nakai suspected of sexual assaultIn the midst of being caught up in and causing great shock, Broadcasters are quickly considering a departure In the process.

On the 13th (local time), Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex reported that “each broadcasting station that has regular programs featuring Masahiro Nakai has begun an investigation.”

Currently, Masahiro Nakai is appearing in five programs broadcast on Nippon Television, TBS, TV Asahi, and Fuji Television.

As his private life has become a subject of controversy, officials from each broadcasting station are investigating whether Masahiro Nakai has ever committed human rights violations or other wrongdoings against other officials.

In relation to this, an official said in an interview with Sponichi Annex, ““We will make a final decision on whether to cancel the program or have him leave after receiving the opinions of the investigators.”Said.

Currently, each broadcasting station is canceling or suspending the programs in which Nakai Masahiro is appearing. However, the cancellation of the programs and his departure have not been confirmed as the situation has not been clearly revealed.

Masahiro Nakai was previously embroiled in a sexual assault controversy after being reported in Japanese entertainment media outlets such as Shukan Bunshun on December 12th of last year.

According to reports at the time, in 2023, Masahiro Nakai had a private meeting with A, a female announcer in her 20s, and B, an employee of Fuji TV, after B did not attend a dinner party the two were having together.

After that, Masahiro Nakai said to Mr. A 9 million yen (about 8 million won) as a settlement feeIt was reported that it was paid in .

Netizens expressed curiosity about what happened between the two that led to the settlement money being given, and raised suspicions that the large amount of settlement money was due to sexual assault.

In fact, some media outlets reported that Masahiro Nakai was with Mr. A. Committed sexual assault, including forcing sexual actsThis was reported and caused controversy.

Regarding this, Mr. A stated his position in an interview, saying, “I cannot say anything with my own mouth,” but “I cannot forgive the perpetrator (Masahiro Nakai) and Fuji TV.”

As the controversy grew, Masahiro Nakai posted an apology on his official homepage on the 9th.

Masahiro Nakai said, “I am very sorry for causing trouble with this matter,” and “I have been refraining from telling you about it because I have a duty of confidentiality with the other party. It's true that there was a problem" he admitted.

However, while saying, “I believe that we have seriously reviewed and responded to the other party’s proposal to resolve the issue,” he added, “However,, there was absolutely no violence, such as raising hands, as reported in some reports." He stated his position.

Meanwhile, Masahiro Nakai debuted as the leader of the idol group SMAP, affiliated with Japan's largest entertainment agency, Johnny's, in 1998.

Afterwards, he received much love by serving as MC for various programs, and he was also active as a sports commentator and actor.