Fuji TV President Minato Addresses Allegations for the First Time
Fuji TV President Hiroshi Minato held a press conference on January 17, marking the first public response from the network regarding allegations involving their employee and celebrity Masahiro Nakai. The allegations surfaced in December 2024, when a weekly magazine published a report claiming that a Fuji TV employee was indirectly involved in a controversial incident between Nakai and a woman.
The report, published by Shukan Bunshun, alleged that an originally planned dinner involving a Fuji TV employee had unexpectedly been altered, leaving Masahiro Nakai and a woman alone. The report claimed that this led to a sexual misconduct situation and that Nakai resolved the matter by agreeing to a settlement of approximately 90 million yen. The magazine further criticized Fuji TV executives for their handling of the situation concerning the woman involved.
In response to the publication, Fuji TV issued a statement in December 2024, denying the employee's involvement. The company stated, “The employee was not involved in the organization of the meeting and had no knowledge of its existence.” The network has maintained this position since then and further announced on January 15 that an external lawyer has been brought in to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.
The monthly press conference, initially scheduled for late February, was rescheduled to January 17 following increasing public and media demand for clarity on the matter. The event, attended by reporters from major newspapers and sports outlets, provided the first opportunity for direct questioning of Fuji TV leadership since the scandal broke.
During the press conference, Hiroshi Minato emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and reaffirmed the network's commitment to transparency. Minato assured that the findings of the external probe would be shared publicly and highlighted the importance of resolving the issue responsibly.
The allegations have placed Fuji TV under intense scrutiny, not only for the reported incident but also for their response to it. With the investigation still in progress, attention remains on the network as it navigates the challenges of addressing public and media concerns. The outcomes of this inquiry are expected to shape the next steps for both Fuji TV and the individuals involved.
