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Masahiro Nakai, a former member of the pop idol group SMAP who is embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal, has apologized for causing “trouble.”
“It is true there was trouble” and it “all resulted from my shortcomings,” the 52-year-old said in a statement released on his agency website Thursday. His apology came following media reports he had engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity with a woman in her 20s in June 2023 that led to a 90 million yen ($569,000) out-of-court settlement.
Masahiro Nakai. (Kyodo)
Major TV networks have suspended programs hosted by Nakai or edited him out of scenes following the allegations.
Nakai, who regularly appeared on five programs aired by four broadcasters, said the trouble with the person had been “resolved” by their representatives and he believes he can continue his career. He declined to name the person due to a nondisclosure agreement.
Nakai has also said some parts of the weekly magazine reports were untrue, including the allegation that he had employed violence and that another person was involved.
The Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine reported last month that an employee of Fuji Television Network Inc. had arranged the meal at which Nakai met the woman.
But the TV broadcaster has said on its official website that the employee in question was not involved in setting up the meal or aware it was taking place.
SMAP, an acronym for Sports Music Assemble People, was formed in 1988. The group gained popularity in Japan and across Asia before disbanding in 2016.
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