TOKYO (TR) – Fuji Media Holdings, which owns Fuji Television, has revised downward its consolidated financial results forecast for the fiscal year ending in March. The revision is due to lost commercial sponsors stemming from a sexual misconduct scandal involving retired entertainer Masahiro Nakai, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Jan. 31).

Japanese TV network Fuji faces mass advertiser exodus after allegations of covering up sexual assault claims against host Masahiro Nakai of SMAP fame.

Koichi Minato has been the target of criticism following the revelation that he became aware of the incident involving Nakai right after it occurred in June 2023.

Masahiro Nakai said he has completed all discussions “regarding my termination, cancellation, removal and contract annulment.”

Observers say the former boy band member's fall from grace echoes music mogul Johnny Kitagawa's decades of sexual abuse Japan's Fuji Television Network has hired external lawyers to investigate a snowballing sex scandal surrounding pop star-turned-TV celebrity Masahiro Nakai,