A reader not too long ago requested me about updates to the sexual assault allegations towards comic/host Matsumoto Hitoshi, and whereas it had slipped my thoughts, there has certainly been a whole lot of stuff that’s occurred.
After happening hiatus from his packages to concentrate on the scandal early final yr, Matsumoto sued Shukan Bunshun for defamation. In what was maybe a harbinger of issues to return, his company Yoshimoto Kogyo backtracked on their agency denial, saying they might internally examine the scandal. In March, regardless of Matsumoto’s try and out his accusers, one of many ladies testified towards him in court docket regardless of saying she feared for her life.
Final November, Matsumoto and Bunshun agreed to the withdrawal of his 550 million yen lawsuit towards the writer, and he issued an apology to the ladies however downplayed any proof of wrongdoing.
In his assertion, Matsumoto provided a heartfelt apology to all the ladies who attended the celebration reported within the journal article for any damage or discomfort they might have skilled there.
On the similar time, he confirmed there was no direct bodily proof backing the allegation that he pressured the ladies to carry out sexual acts. He added that no cash was given to the 2 ladies.
In keeping with sources, Bungeishunju agreed to Matsumoto withdrawing the lawsuit after consulting with the 2 ladies whose allegations appeared within the journal article.
Each side have stated no cash exchanged palms.
Matsumoto clarifying that the opposite aspect has “no direct bodily proof” stemming from an incident that occurred in 2015 is definitely … a technical and particular solution to try to defend your self publicly towards rape allegations. Unsure anyone with a mind sees all this as something however Matsumoto admitting it occurred, although I assume that is his try at taking it out of the headlines and simply hoping sufficient individuals neglect ultimately in order that he can resume his profession.
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Anyway, again in April of final yr, David McNeill gave a voice to one of many victims about what transpired that day.
Out of nowhere, she recollects, Ozawa shouted that they had been going to play a recreation. Matsumoto disappeared. She says she was half pushed/led by Ozawa to a door into the subsequent room. The door shut and he or she says she discovered herself in a bed room, with Matsumoto mendacity on a mattress. “It was all so bizarre,” she says. “I hoped it was all a prank and that this was the climax. He was so well-known. I didn’t know what do to. I stated, ‘I’ve been watching you on TV since I used to be a toddler and I’m so honored’. I wished to point out I revered him.”
She says Matsumoto ordered her to return to his aspect.
“I used to be terrified. I used to be attempting to not be impolite however I stayed the place I used to be and put my head down. He stood up and got here in my course. He was bare and had an erection. I didn’t consider it was taking place and but it was. It was like watching an accident in sluggish movement. I crossed my arms; he took my proper arm and pulled it away. And together with his left foot he kicked my proper leg huge. I spotted he was actually sturdy. He shouted: are you going to have my child? I simply saved saying ‘sorry’ as a result of he sounded offended and my thoughts went clean. He tried to kiss me, he pulled my shirt off, ripping the buttons. I crouched down. He put his penis in my mouth.”
When the assault was over, Sato says she went to scrub out her mouth and was groped by a second man within the confined area of the lavatory. Again on the couch, Ozawa apologized for Matsumoto’s conduct, then additionally began to the touch her. “He took my proper hand and compelled me to masturbate him, like a doll,” she says. When the assaults had been completed and all three ladies had returned to the room, she says, there was deathly silence. “It was like a funeral.” The three ladies had been dismissed with 10,000 yen every for taxi fare.
Notably, the sufferer says she knew how issues had been going to be framed within the public eye.
Sato says she understands that she might be referred to as a liar, or worse. After she acquired dwelling and had a bathe, she despatched a Line message, thanking Ozawa. He printed the message after the Bunshun story broke, making an attempt to point out that Sato was a keen participant, not a sufferer. When she informed her actress good friend concerning the night, she says she, too, had a strikingly comparable expertise with Matsumoto on the Grand Hyatt. Sato says she thinks there are various extra victims and he or she feels compelled to talk out on their behalf. “I don’t wish to stay within the type of society the place such issues can occur. All we are able to do is struggle.”
