In a shocking revelation, former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai has become embroiled in a serious scandal, as reported by the weekly magazine Bunshun. The incident, which reportedly occurred in June 2023, involves allegations of sexual misconduct against Nakai, leading to a staggering 900 million yen settlement with the alleged victim, referred to as “X.”
According to sources, X, a woman in her twenties, had a troubling encounter with Nakai during a dinner invitation orchestrated by a senior executive at Fuji TV. Originally intended as a group gathering, the dinner devolved into a situation where X found herself alone with Nakai, where she claims she was subjected to unwanted advances. Following the incident, X sought help from Fuji TV executives but claims her complaints were dismissed, prompting her to explore legal avenues.
As X’s health deteriorated after the incident, she decided to negotiate a settlement, fearing that filing a formal complaint would expose her identity and impact her career. Ultimately, Nakai reportedly agreed to pay 900 million yen to resolve the matter, with both parties entering into a non-disclosure agreement to prevent public disclosure of the incident.
This scandal has sent shockwaves through the television industry, especially as it unfolds during the peak holiday season when major programming is scheduled. With Nakai hosting several significant shows, concerns are mounting among sponsors about potential backlash. Companies that have previously partnered with Nakai, such as SoftBank, are closely monitoring the situation, as public sentiment towards the scandal could influence their advertising strategies.
Despite the settlement, the ramifications for Nakai could be severe, as the industry is now under scrutiny for its handling of such allegations. The incident amplifies ongoing discussions about accountability in the entertainment world, particularly following recent scandals involving other high-profile figures. As more details emerge, the future of Nakai’s career and his standing within the industry remain uncertain.