The major television networks distance themselves from his scandal.
Koreaboo
A former member of a major idol group was eliminated from a broadcast and more. The removal comes in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations that have tarnished the star’s once-shiny image.
Nakai Masahiro is a former member of HURRYa legendary J-Pop group active from 1988 to 2016. Masahiro debuted as the leader of SMAP at the age of 16 and went on to become a successful idol, actor, television host, news host, and radio personality.
In December 2024, Japanese media reported that Masahiro paid 90 million yen (about $568,101) as a lump sum to an unidentified woman. This settlement is tied to alleged sexual misconduct that occurred in 2023. Confirmed details about the incident and subsequent resolution remain scarce.
What is known is that the major television networks are now distancing themselves from Masahiro. On January 7, Japanese TV aired a program hosted by Masahiro, but the former idol was nowhere to be seen; was eliminated. The next day, Fuji TV have announced that their weekly show hosted by Masahiro will be canceled for the time being, following the network’s guidance “thorough review of the situation”. Furthermore, SoftBanka major technology company and sponsor, is distancing itself from Masahiro by no longer airing Masahiro advertising.
So far, Mashiro’s agency has kept the situation quiet, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties involved. It was reported by Japanese media Asahi Shimbun Daily quoted the agency as saying that Masahiro “He never resorted to force or became violent” towards the woman.
