Accusers in Japanese Boy Band Producer's Sex Scandal Say They Hope for Apology, Compensation
U.S. News & World Report TOKYO (AP) A group of men who say they were sexually abused by a Japanese boy band producer expressed hope Monday that the company will provide financial compensation and introduce measures to prevent a recurrence.
They say producer Johnny Kitagawa sexually preyed on young dancers and singers for decades, having them stay at his luxury home, handing them cash and leveraging promises of potential fame. The company, Johnny & Associates, is a powerful force in Japan's entertainment industry.
The men said at a news conference Monday that they have been ignored for decades by the company, Japanese society and mainstream media.
Company Chief Executive Julie Keiko Fujishima released a brief statement on YouTube in May about the accusations but has not appeared before reporters. The company has set a news conference for Thursday.
We want Julie to apologize, as the chief executive and company owner, said Shimon Ishimaru, one of nine men who have formed a group demanding an apology and compensation from the company. For a company behind this big a crime to do nothing is unimaginable.
