A Japanese weekly magazine said Tuesday it has corrected its December story claiming a Fuji Television Network Inc. official invited a woman to a gathering that allegedly led to sexual misconduct by former TV host Masahiro Nakai.
Shukan Bunshun said it discovered that the woman was invited by Nakai, best known as a member of the now-defunct pop group SMAP, to a June 2023 gathering where alleged nonconsensual sexual activity occurred, leading to a 90 million yen ($578,000) out-of-court settlement.
In its edition released on Dec. 26, the weekly reported that the invitation came from the official.
Photo taken on Jan. 28, 2025, shows Fuji Television Network Inc.’s headquarters in Tokyo. (Kyodo)
While apologizing for the correction, the weekly said in a statement that the woman attended the gathering believing it was similar to other eating events arranged by the official. She had also previously taken part in a barbecue at Nakai’s residence.
However, the magazine maintained its position that the official “was involved in the trouble” between the woman and Nakai.
At a press conference Monday, the top management reiterated the broadcaster’s stance that the official in question was not involved in setting up the meal gathering where the woman met Nakai.
Since the report’s release, Fuji TV has faced intense scrutiny over its alleged involvement, prompting its president and chairman to step down to take responsibility for the fallout, which has led dozens of sponsors to suspend advertising on its channels.
The broadcaster has also launched a third-party investigation into the allegations.
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