Japanese TV host Masahiro Nakai, who was a member of the former pop group SMAP, said Thursday he has retired from show business following alleged sexual misconduct that led broadcasters to suspend programs featuring him.
"As of today, I will retire from entertainment activities," Nakai, 52, said on his fan club website. "I am sorry for the inconvenience and losses I have caused to so many people."
The scandal has rocked Japan's entertainment industry, with one of the Tokyo-based broadcasters coming under fire for its alleged involvement in the matter and the lack of transparency in its explanation.
According to the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine, what was planned as a meal in June 2023 with employees of Fuji Television Network Inc. ended up with only Nakai and a woman present, leading to nonconsensual sexual activity and a 90 million yen ($575,000) out-of-court settlement.
Without specifically mentioning what happened, Nakai said he takes "full responsibility" and offered apologies to the woman.
He said talks on suspending TV programs and the cancellation of contracts with TV networks and sponsors had "all ended," leading to his announcement on Thursday.
"I will continue to deal with various issues sincerely and in good faith," he said. "I am really, really sorry for parting with you (fans) in this way."
A representative for Nakai declined to comment to Kyodo News about the details, saying, "What has been reported by weekly magazines has already been resolved and there is a nondisclosure agreement between the parties."
Nakai gained popularity as the leader of SMAP, a Japanese male idol group that performed for nearly three decades until it disbanded in 2016. SMAP, an acronym for Sports Music Assemble People, was also popular across Asia.
He regularly appeared on TV programs as a host before the sexual misconduct allegation surfaced late last year.
The scandal had broader repercussions due to Fuji TV's apparent lack of accountability, with many major Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor Corp., deciding to pull ads from the network.
