Head of Japanese entertainment company mired in sex abuse scandal apologizes, promises fix

Published May 14, 2023 5:54 PM

By YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — The head of a major Japanese boys-group talent agency has released a YouTube video apologizing for the sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her predecessor and promised to prevent a recurrence. Allegations against Johnny Kitagawa have been tossed around for more than 20 years. But the founder of Johnny & Associates was never charged with crimes. He died in 2019. Julie Keiko Fujishima apologized for the disappointment of fans in a video and statement Sunday but said she didn’t know of the allegations previously. She said compliance and counseling teams were set up. But there’s no plan for an independent investigation.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

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