Masahiro Nakai, former member of the Japanese band SMAP and currently serving as a TV host and actor, announced on Thursday his retirement from the entertainment industry after sexual assault allegations in an incident which occurred in June 2023.

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

Dozens of major Japanese companies have pulled their commercials from broadcaster Fuji Television amid allegations company officials tried to cover up a sex scandal involving one of the country’s most

SMAP member allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct and Fuji TV is now facing criticism over its handling of the issue.

Major sponsors such as carmakers Nissan and Toyota and the owner of 7-Eleven announced they were pulling ads from Fuji TV over the scandal.